Hakini Mudra

September is here and with it comes a flurry of conversation and activity often precluded by the statement, "let me get my schedule book." School, work, meetings, projects to be completed, schedules to be kept, work to be submitted, papers to be found and filed and holiday planning can make this time of year taxing on the brain and generally overwhelming. Many of us had a hot steamy summer with some down time to rest and recharge before heading into the Autumn. Our brains now need to find space for new schedules, deadlines, facts, and other details small and large. A nice mudra to combat the barrage of mental activity coming your way is hakini mudra.

The hakini or hakim mudra can be practiced at any time. This mudra is practiced when you would like to remember something, generate an inspirational or novel idea, or just want to increase your general memory strength for longer periods of concentration.

You can practice this mudra either sitting or standing but it is best to face west. Place your fingertips together, direct your eyes upward, place the tip of your tongue on your gums while inhaling, and let the tongue fall again while exhaling, then take a deep breath. Include this mudra in your practice or preform individually. Practice 15 minutes a day either at one time or several times a day.

It has been determined that the finger position of this mudra promotes the cooperation between the right and left brain hemispheres. It opens access to the right hemisphere, where memory is stored, and improves respiration which increases oxygen to the brain and aids in mental efficiency.

On a side note it is suggested you don't cross you feet when doing mental work.

Wishing everyone pleasant, well organized days :)

Tadagi Mudra

Tadagi Mudra

It's official! The holidays are upon on. There are all kinds of ways this merry little season can make life a challenge. Holiday get togethers, parties, big meals, and nibbles around the house and office can leave us feeling lackluster and bloated. Tadagi mudra is excellent for the digestive system, respiratory system, muscles of the pelvis and abdomen. It also has a good generalized effects on the organs and glands of the abdominal cavity by stimulating blood circulation.

Lean forward, grasp the big toes with the thumbs, index and second finger, head facing forward. Inhale expanding the abdomen to the fullest extent possible. retain the breath for a comfortable length of time( 5 count) then exhale slowly. Repeat 10 times, release the toes sitting upright. This is considered one round of tadagi mudra, complete 3 to 5 more.

This mudra should not be practiced under the following conditions intestinal ulcers, hernia, high blood pressure heart disease, glaucoma, menstruation, pregnancy.

Practice this mudra alone or before beginning your practice to stimulate the digestive energy in the abdomen.

Peace, love and Jai bhagwan everyone.

Akash Mudra

According to the Tatav Yog Mudra Vigyan, the five fingers represent the five elements, and the middle finger represents akash, the space or sky element. Akash enables sound and thought to travel. This happens through the placement of the fingers and has an effect on the two hemispheres of the brain. by centering your energies and assisting information to flow through both hemispheres of the brain. When used with a tongue placement is has a positive effects on the limbic system. The beneficial effects include an energy charge helpful in developing noble and elevated thoughts and reducing feelings of annoyance. It strengthens the bones, is helpful in heart disease, and is said to be a cure for toothache and reduces ear pain by relieving congestion. For those of us looking to drop a few extra pounds and add a little lost energy from long cold snowy days and heavy evening meals this mudra can be quite helpful as it detoxifies the body by the elimination of metabolic wastes (through exhaled air, sweat, urine and stools), helps overcome a feeling of fullness/heaviness in the body or body-parts, and is helpful in overcoming discomfort caused by over-eating

Akash mudra is best practiced 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in three parts(i.e for 15 minutes, three times a day) If this is not possible practice when in a reclined asana for as long as you can. The ideal time is between 2:00 to 6:00 am/pm although you can practice at any time of the day. Do not practice this mudra while walking or if you have a hyper thyroid.

To form the Akash mudra join the thumb and middle finger. The index, ring, and pinky fingers are extended. The tongue placement can be added by placing the tip of the tongue to the upper roof of the mouth.

Be well and a happy and healthy practice to all.

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.

Bronchial mudra

Bronchial Mudra

Spring with its many glorious virtues does have a few drawbacks. Excessive pollen in the air has had a few of us sneezing, scratching our eyes and feeling upper respiratory congestion. Bronchial mudra helps ease shallow breath and clears the bronchial tubes. Place the little finger at the base of the thumb, the ring finger on the upper thumb joint and the middle finger on the pads of the thumb. Extend the index finger. I feel this mudra is best applied in the beginning of a practice to ease breath or as a meditation as itself for 4 to 6 minutes. It can be applied to a variety of respiratory afflictions. On the emotional level this mudra is helpful with loneliness, isolation, sadness and sexual problems. It increases inner reserve of strength, decreasing fear, sadness, discontentment and exaggerated sensitivity. For those of us deep in pollen season it helps clear out the junk in our lungs.

So breath deep and enjoy!

Apan Mudra

Apan Mudra

Apan mudra seems appropriate considering the previous weeks events. Join the thumb, middle and ring finger together, extend the remaining two fingers. It is best to hold this mudra for at least five minutes or use three times during the course of your practice or a total of 15 minutes. I suggest incorporating this mudra into twisting asanas such as Jathara Parivartanasana (supine twist), twisting Utkatasana ( chair), and Ardha Matsyendrasana ( Lord of the Fishes or Half-spinal-twist Posture). This mudra has a balancing effect on the mind. It gives patience, serenity, confidence, inner balance and harmony. On a physical level by moving energy to the periphery of the body it supports the removal of waste materials and toxins.

Have a peaceful and happy Sunday.

Mudra

Pran Mudra

A quick week with an absolute must do now list and a longer must do as soon as possible list has left me fatigued and blurry eyed. This is an excellent time to incorporate pran mudra into my asana's. Pran mudra reduces fatigue, nervousness and improves vision. It increases assertiveness, self confidence and allows us to start something new or the strength to finish what we need to complete. Incorporate this mudra into your practice by allowing the tips of the pinky and ring finger to touch the tip of the thumb. The remaining two fingers are extended. I suggest incorporating this mudra into Vrksasana (tree pose) Natarajasana (dancers pose) and Ardha Chandrasana ( half moon standing). This mudra combined with slow and gentle breathing has a calm stabilizing effect. Root down and breath.

Jai Bhagwan