Shakti Mudra

Shakti Mudra

When I did my yoga teacher training we were placed into pods. The people in these pods were the students you would do your practicums with, gave your first classes to, and your peers who critiqued your work as a budding teacher. Ironically both my pod members have been to India. Danielle incorporated mudra work into her classes from the beginning. It was she who introduced me to Gertrud Hirschi's book on Mudras. While traveling through India she found this book and used the mudras to relieve ailments of the stomach and calm her nerves. Using mudras gave physical and mental comfort alleviating fear as she explored India as a solo traveler. Shakti Mudra has a calming effect on the body. Commonly uses as an aid in sleep due to its soothing effect. It intensifies the respiratory impulse in the lower chest area. If done too long or too often it may lead to lethargy. Best done three times a day for 12 minutes. Extend the ring and little finger and place together. The remaining digits are loosely bent over the thumbs, placed on the palms. Slow breath and focus on breathing into pelvic area. This mudra is best practiced in a comfortable seated position.