
Vayu is the Sanskrit word for “air.” The air in our body conducts circulation, locomotion and even the transfer of thought signals from one part of the body to other. The essence of air is prana, or vital energy. Air balances the pressure in our bodies. Too much air pressure can also lead to high blood pressure in the body. Air affects all parts of the body. Vayu Mudra helps to regulate the pressure of air within the body.
In this article, we provide a deep look at how to perform the Vayu Mudra, as well as its numerous benefits and important precautions.
What are Mudras?
Mudras are hand gestures that activate a certain element or energy in the body. The five fingers represent the five elements. The energy activation point lies on the fingertips. When the fingertips are connected, the subtle energy in your body gets activated. The thumb represents the fire element. This element represents agni within the body, and it serves to activate all the other elements.
The index finger represents air, middle finger ether, ring finger earth and the little finger represents the water element.
When different hand formations, or mudras, are formed, the combination of subtle elements has a powerful effect on the mind and body.
How Can Mudras Heal?
There is a spiritual force that mediates our mind-body connection. Ayurveda says that when the elements in our body are balanced, our bodies and minds are healthy. Whenever imbalance arises, we can attain balance by activating specific elements using various mudras. Acupuncture is another method that involves activating specific points in the body and improving the flow of energy. Mudras act in a similar way. The tips of our fingers act like electrical potential points, and when the mudras are formed, they create an electrical circuit that circulates energy throughout the body. As this energy circulates, we feel a healing effect. The most astonishing fact is that our brain uses about 60% of its surface area to process the movements and sensations of the hands.
RECOMMENDED: For a complete guide to the many mudras and their benefits, check out Healing Mudras: Yoga of the Hands by Yogi Nataraj.
How to Perform the Vayu Mudra?
Fold the forefinger of each hand to touch the base of each thumb. Now cover the forefingers with the thumbs as shown above. For all therapeutic purposes, mudrās should be held for 20 minutes or more. The more you can concentrate, the greater the effect will be. Pay attention to the outflow and inflow of energy going from and to the heart.
When Should I Perform the Vayu Mudra?
The Vayu Mudra is useful for:
- Improving concentration
- Relieving knee and joint pain
- Rheumatism
- Parkinsons disease
- Paralysis, including facial paralysis
- Reducing Anxiety
- Balancing hormones
- Relieving neck pain and stiffness
- Relaxing the the muscular system
- Lowering blood pressure
Remember that it is very important to feel your pulse while performing this mudra. The Vayu Mudra can be used in all sitting meditative poses, or even while practicing walking meditation to relieve high blood pressure, minor aches and pains in the body. Astrologically Vāyu mudra is useful for Saturn lines on the hand. Vayu mudra should be practiced along with Prāṇa mudrā for better benefits.
Precautions When Practicing Vayu Mudra
Vayu mudra is very safe to practice however if you feel any discomfort while practicing vayu mudra you should immediately stop. Do not do this mudra in a full stomach, make sure you do it on an empty stomach or wait 2 hours after eating food.
Suggested Sequence
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Join your hands in a prayerful, meditative position.
- Straighten your back.
- Fold the forefinger and cover it with the thumb. Touch the tip of the forefinger the base of the thumb.
- Focus your attention on the thumb and the tip of the forefinger touching the palm.
- Hold the Vayu Mudra for 10-20 minutes.
- Practice Prana Mudra for 10 minutes.
- Join your hands together and end with a prayer.
What Chakras Does Vayu Mudra Activate?
Vayu Mudra energizes the heart chakra. The heart chakra deals with emotions, feelings, and thoughts. The heart is also responsible for regulating blood pressure and the emotional quality of our thoughts. When we are fearful, anxious, or when we exercise, our heart rate increases. Vayu Mudra calms the heart and reduces our heart rate and blood pressure. When the heart chakra is balanced, our blood pressure and circulation are also balanced.
Related Mudras
- Gyana mudra (Jnana Mudra)
- Vata Pitta Nashaka Mudra
- Vata Karaka Mudra
- Vata Hara Mudra
- Pusan Mudra
- Musti Mudra
- Adi Mudra
- Prana Mudra
- Apana Vayu Mudra
Related Yoga Poses
Bandhas or locks are related to the control of air pressure. Mula bandha or the root lock, Uddiyana bandha or the abdominal lock and Jalandhara bandha or the throat lock all enhance the effect of Vayu Mudra. The bandhas are also enhanced by this mudra. Bandhas when performed with the Vayu Mudra can heal many blood pressure and stress related issues. Sitting postures like Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend), Kurmasana (tortoise pose), Padangusthanasana (big toe pose) give a similar effect as the Vayu Mudra.
List of Mudra Guides
Mudras are very beneficial when performed with proper understanding. Mudras deal with individual elements, combinations of elements, the vital airs, the vital functions and even moods and feelings. Regular practice of each mudra based on our needs and present condition can help us achieve the specific results we are looking for. Please explore our various mudra guides and try out the practices that suit your needs
Chakra Mudras
- Mudras for the Root Chakra
- Mudras for the Sacral Chakra
- Mudras for the Navel Chakra
- Mudras for the Heart Chakra
- Mudras for the Throat Chakra
- Mudras for the Third-eye Chakra
- Mudras for the Crown Chakra
Mudra Sequences
Individual Mudra Guides
- Abhaya Mudra
- Adi Mudra
- Agni Mudra
- Akasha Mudra
- Anjali Mudra
- Apana Vayu Mudra
- Bhumisparsha Mudra
- Brahma Mudra
- Dharmachakra Mudra
- Dhyan Mudra
- Ganesha Mudra
- Gyan Mudra
- Kundalini Mudra
- Lotus Mudra
- Musti Mudra
- Prana Mudra
- Prithvi Mudra
- Rudra Mudra
- Shakti Mudra
- Shankha Mudra
- Shunya Mudra
- Surya Mudra
- Udana Vayu Mudra
- Uttarabodhi
- Varada Mudra
- Vitarka Mudra
- Yoni Mudra