WATER MUDRAS
ENHANCING HEALTH AND EQUIPPING YOU TO MOVE FORWARD
Part of hand: little finger
Element: water
Related chakra: sacral
Physical associations: wellbeing, body fluids, urinary and reproductive system, sense of taste
Emotional associations: moving forward, letting go, adapting, going with the flow
‘Nothing in the world is more flexible and yielding than water. Yet when it attacks the firm and the strong, none can withstand it, because they have no way to change it. So the flexible overcome the adamant, the yielding overcome the forceful.’
Lao Tzu
This chapter features mudras involving the little finger, which relates to the water element and the sacral chakra. By practising these gestures you help to ensure the wellbeing of this element within your body and mind and its chakra. This enhances your ability to ‘go with the flow’ – to be flexible and adaptive – and to let go of what you no longer need. These mudras also enhance your ability to enjoy yourself without feeling guilty, and encourage an aptitude for tasting and enjoying what life has to offer.
Water, known as apas or jala in Sanskrit, includes all matter in liquid form, and this element is often referred to as the source of life itself. It is associated with swadhisthana, the sacral chakra, which governs your emotions as well as all the fluids in your body, from blood and lymph to mucus and saliva. This chakra also presides over your kidneys, bladder, urinary tract, reproductive and circulatory systems, homeostasis, and all the water-related needs of your body.
In Ayurveda the water and earth elements make up the kapha dosha (see pages 18–19), which provides the foundation all the other doshas require to function. Water is a universal symbol of cleansing and purification; the urge to ‘wash’ away sins is perhaps connected to a need to rebalance or unblock the energy of the water element. Having a healthy and balanced water element is the key to being flexible and adaptive. The mudras in this chapter will be of special interest to you if you feel stuck in life and in need of change. The water mudras can also help you to let go of guilt, frustration, shame, jealousy or lust as you learn to appreciate the ebb and flow of life.
Water is closely related to the moon, since the gravitational pull of the moon controls the tides. Up to 60 percent of the adult body is made up of water, and some people argue that the moon’s gravitational pull in its different phases also affects our physiology, influencing sleep at a full moon, for example. You may find that using the mudras in this chapter can help you to prepare your body and mind for the powerful pulls of the full and new moons.
Physically, water mudras can help you to establish a liquid balance in your body – whether you suffer from fluid retention, frequent dehydration or experience too much inner heat. You might turn to them if you experience physical problems associated with the urinary or reproductive systems.
Emotionally, you might wish to experiment with these mudras when you feel unable to ‘taste’ the sweetness of life, or when nothing seems to satisfy you or make you feel at peace with yourself. They are effective if you suffer from habitual low energy or chronic fatigue, or frequently get stressed.
Above all, these mudras can help you to create an atmosphere of flexibility and adaptability that extends to all areas of your being. As you practise these mudras, I hope you will find that they enhance your ability to enjoy and to see the benefit of everything life has brought you.
Water mudras at a glance |
||
Mudra |
Benefit |
Page |
Varuna |
Helps to rehydrate the body and remove impurities from the bloodstream |
112 |
Jalodar-nāshak |
Relieves water retention |
113 |
Swadhisthana |
Assists in maintaining emotional equilibrium |
114 |
Mahatrika |
Brings healing energy to sacral region |
116 |
Shakti |
Connects you with a supportive energy |
118 |
Kilaka |
Helps you to solve difficult situations |
120 |
Karana |
Strong detoxing energy |
121 |
Kurma |
Conserves energy through withdrawal from the senses |
122 |
Yoni |
Stabilizes body and mind; creates focus during meditation; balances creative and elimination energies in the body |
123 |
Māsiki |
Relieve menstrual cramping; eases pain in whole body |
124 |
Matsya |
Increases physical and mental flexibility; relaxes muscles; hydrates system; activates self-healing |
126 |
Makara |
Helps in accessing inner energy reserves; counters depression, frustration; brings calmness and serenity; strengthens kidneys |
127 |
Water-balancing Gesture
In Vedic tradition, Varuna is guardian of the waters and king of aquatic animals. He is said to have hollowed out the channels through which rivers flow, perhaps an allusion to the nadi system through which prana flows (see pages 12–13). Varuna Mudra purifies and nourishes your body’s fluid elements, particularly blood and lymph. It has a rehydrating effect, eliminating dryness from the body while restoring homeostasis. It can also alleviate skin problems and make your skin feel smoother.
As this is a cooling mudra, practise in the summer or when there is too much ‘fire’ in the body, for example menopausal symptoms, rashes, fever or allergic reactions. You might avoid it in winter, as it decreases body heat. If you suffer from physical stiffness or mental rigidity, try meditating with this mudra for 10–30 minutes daily.
Caution: Avoid if you suffer from water-retention or oedema.
HOW TO PRACTISE
Come into a sitting position (see pages 20–21). Join the tips of your little fingers and thumbs on each hand. Keep the three other fingers extended, but relaxed. Rest your hand backs on your thighs. Hold for as long as feels comfortable; repeat as required.
HOW IT WORKS
Bringing the tip of the thumb (fire element) to meet the tip of your little finger (water) intensifies the water element, restoring moisture to the body. This also symbolizes the joining of opposites, countering rigid structures.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: ‘VARUNA MUDRA CONNECTED ME TO MY EMOTIONS; IT STIMULATED THEM IN A POSITIVE WAY. I ENJOYED WORKING WITH THIS MUDRA AND EXPERIENCED A FEELING OF SUBTLE LIGHTNESS.’
Water-reducing Gesture
Jala means ‘water’ and jalodar is a term for oedema, an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body. Standing for long periods or sitting at a desk causes fluid to drain into the feet and legs, sometimes leading to swelling by the end of the day. This mudra can help to overcome such symptoms of water-retention by reducing moisture in the body. It is also an excellent practice if you sweat profusely or suffer from excess mucus, puffy or watery eyes, diarrhoea or excessive urination or menstrual flow.
Jalodar-nāshak Mudra resembles the salute used by scouts and guides around the world, the upward fingers representing the three aspects of their promise.
HOW TO PRACTISE
Lie down or sit with your feet elevated. You can practise with one or both hands. Bring the end of your little finger to the base of your thumb; then use your thumb to gently press down on little finger. The other three fingers remain straight, but relaxed. Hold for 5–30 minutes once or twice daily.
HOW IT WORKS
By depressing the little finger (representing water) with your thumb, you reduce the water element within your body.
ACCOMPANYING DIETARY ADVICE: THIS MUDRA WORKS BEST IF YOU REDUCE YOUR INTAKE OF SALT AND SODIUM-RICH FOODS. AT THE SAME TIME, DRINK MORE WATER AND EAT POTASSIUM-RICH FRESH FRUITS AND LIGHTLY STEAMED VEGETABLES, SUCH AS BANANAS AND DARK LEAFY GREENS, WHICH ENCOURAGE THE BODY TO RELEASE EXCESS FLUID.
Sacral Chakra Gesture
This mudra helps you to maintain a healthy emotional equilibrium and feel more at ease with yourself and comfortable in your body. Located in the sacral/genital region, the swadhisthana chakra is associated with creative instincts and pleasure impulses. Its energy is about finding your way in life and trusting your unique creativity.
You will need a bit of finger flexibility for this mudra. If your fingers don’t bend easily into Swadhisthana Mudra, warm up by practising the exercises in Chapter 1.
Caution: Avoid if you are pregnant.
HOW TO PRACTISE
Come into a sitting position (see pages 20–21). Hold both palms facing each other. Cross each middle finger over the index finger next to it. Bend the little and ring fingers of both hands and interlace them. Bring the tips of your index fingers together. Join the end of each thumb with the middle finger of the same hand. Bring the sides of both thumbs as close to each other as possible; try to press them together. Rest your hands in your lap with the thumbs on top for 3 minutes, gradually building up to 30 minutes.
HOW IT WORKS
You begin by crossing your middle (ether element) and index (air) fingers in the ‘here’s hoping’ gesture. By interlocking the ring (earth) and little (water) fingers, you add stability to your vision and bring all the elements into play to make dreams a reality.
ACCOMPANYING CHANT: TO OPTIMIZE THE BENEFITS OF THIS MUDRA, CLOSE YOUR EYES AS YOU HOLD THE MUDRA AND MENTALLY REPEAT THE MANTRA OF THE SWADHISTHANA CHAKRA, ‘VAM’.
SWADHISTHANA MUDRA
IN A MEDITATION PRACTICE
Swadhisthana Meditation: Sacral Chakra Meditation
Whether you are ‘birthing’ a baby, a project or your life’s work, you are working with the energy of the swadhistana chakra. This meditation practice helps to unblock and balance that energy: as you hold Swadhisthana Mudra you become better able to experience fluidity and grace in your creative ventures and accept and adapt to change. Feel free to change the affirmations suggested here to suit your own aims.
1 Come into a sitting position (see pages 20–21). Make sure your back is straight. Lift your breastbone slightly so you can breathe freely; slide your shoulder blades together, then draw them down toward your waist. Keep your shoulders relaxed. Seal your lips and breathe quietly through your nostrils.
2 Bring your hands into Swadhisthana Mudra and rest them in your lap, thumbs on top. If it is more comfortable, rest your hands on a small cushion on your lap. Keep your arms close to your body and focus your awareness on your pelvic region.
3 Close your eyes. Sit for up to 30 minutes, mentally repeating one of these affirmations: ‘I trust myself to follow my dreams,’ ‘I let go of feeling unworthy/unattractive/inadequate,’ ‘I am open to the process of positive change,’ ‘Today I will let things happen without agonizing over consequences,’ ‘I adapt, adjust and accommodate to the situation without letting go of my ideals.’
4 When you have finished, open your eyes, release the mudra and gently shake out your hands from the wrists. Take 2–3 deep breaths before standing up.
Great Triangle Gesture
In Sanskrit maha means ‘great’ and trika means ‘triangle’; this mudra is used in India’s traditional medicine, Ayurveda, to bring a healing energy to the pelvic region. It is especially useful for women, reducing menstrual cramping and helping to regulate the menstrual cycle.
The mudra is helpful for anyone facing impotence or infertility. Regular practice can also assist in releasing blocked emotions, particularly those related to trauma caused by abuse.
HOW TO PRACTISE
Come into a sitting position (see pages 20–21). You use both hands in this mudra. Extend both little fingers and bring the tips together. Join the ends of the thumbs and index fingers of each hand, and then connect them. Allow your ring and middle fingers to be straight but relaxed. Rotate your hands slightly so that the ring, middle and little fingers point downward. Hold for as long as feels comfortable and repeat as required.
HOW IT WORKS
By bringing the ends of both little fingers together, you balance the water element within your body, which governs your sacral area. This encourages the healthy expression of emotions and helps to alleviate menstrual cramps. The triangle formed with the other fingers approximates the shape of the pelvic bowl.
ACCOMPANYING BREATHING: FOR PAIN RELIEF, SIT WITH YOUR HANDS IN MAHATRIKA MUDRA, CLOSE YOUR EYES AND BRING YOUR AWARENESS TO YOUR BREATH. AS YOU INHALE, MENTALLY DIRECT YOUR ENERGY TO YOUR LOWER BACK. AS YOU EXHALE, BREATHE TENSION OUT OF YOUR BODY.
Badha-konasana: Bound Angle Pose
Mahatrika Mudra becomes especially effective in releasing blocked energy in the pelvic region when you practise it sitting in this yoga pose. It stimulates the sacral chakra located in the middle of your lower back, which governs the liquid elements of your body and is responsible for the maintenance of correct liquid levels as well as the viscosity of your blood.
1 Sit on the ground or on a sofa and remove your shoes. Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together. Let your knees drop out to the sides and allow them to descend toward the ground. If your knees are painful or don’t reach the ground, you might want to place cushions beneath them.
2 Bring your hands into Mahatrika Mudra. Turn your hands so that the ring, middle and little fingers face the ground, then rest your wrists on your inner thighs.
3 Close your eyes and breathe gently through your nostrils. With each exhalation, imagine you are releasing blocked energy from the pelvic region.
4 Sit in this position for at least 30 seconds and up to 7 minutes. Practise three times daily, or whenever you feel the need.
5 When you have finished, open your eyes, release the mudra and gently shake out your hands from the wrists. Take 2–3 deep breaths before standing up.
Essence of Power Gesture
Shakti is the Indian personification of energy, pictured as a goddess with all the powers of the universe in her hands. Practising her mudra connects you with a supportive energy source that enables you to be flexible and adaptive. It also helps to maintain the health of your urinary and reproductive systems by bringing a wealth of prana to this region. It balances your sacral and root chakra energies, leaving you grounded but with the ability to ‘go with the flow’.
HOW TO PRACTISE
Come into a sitting or kneeling position (see pages 20–21). Bring the ends of both little fingers together, then join the tips of your ring fingers. Fold your thumbs into their respective palms and bend the index and middle fingers over them. Rotate your palms so your ring and little fingers point down slightly. Rest your hands on your abdomen, relaxing your arms and shoulders. Hold for as long as feels comfortable; repeat as required.
HOW IT WORKS
The joined little fingers (water element) and ring (earth) fingers balance your water and earth elements. Water and earth form kapha dosha (see pages 18–19), making this mudra excellent if you have a kapha imbalance. Pointing your fingers down enables the flow of aparna downward, releasing what you no longer need.
ACCOMPANYING BREATHING: AS YOU HOLD THE MUDRA, IMAGINE BREATHING THROUGH EACH PORE, YOUR SKIN A DYNAMIC ORGAN DRAWING IN AIR. INHALING, FEEL A GENTLE EXPANSION, AS IF YOU ARE BEING ENHANCED BY THE AIR YOU BREATHE. EXHALING, FEEL YOUR MILLIONS OF PORES EXPELLING TOXINS AND NEGATIVITY.
Gomukasana: Cow’s Head Pose
Sitting with your legs crossed in this way is an excellent way to enhance the benefits of Shakti Mudra because it directs energy to your pelvic region. This leg position is usually associated with the arm exercise on page 29, where it helps to release tension in your neck and shoulders. Used with Shakti Mudra, it acts more on the sacral region and benefits the swadhisthana chakra.
1 Place a mat or folded blanket on the ground. Kneel on the mat then bend one knee and bring it on top of the other one. Sit between your feet on a cushion or bolster.
2 Bring your hands into Shakti Mudra and rest them on your top knee.
3 Close your eyes and inhale deeply; imagine drawing the breath down to your sacral region (in the middle of your lower back). Hold your breath there for a few moments.
4 As you exhale, visualize your breath as a mist that is lifting and clearing away all your mental and emotional toxins.
5 Repeat for 5–10 minutes daily.
6 When you have finished, open your eyes, release the mudra and gently shake out your hands from the wrists. Take 2–3 deep breaths before standing up.
Key to Good Health Gesture
Turn to this mudra when something is puzzling you. The Sanskrit word kilaka denotes a clue to a mystical puzzle. In the yoga tradition, a teacher initiates a student by giving a kilaka, such as a mantra and a certain way to recite it.
Practise Kilaka Mudra also for emotional support and maintaining balance. By strengthening the water element, it brings about a sense of safety that facilitates intimacy and close relationships.
HOW TO PRACTISE
Come into a sitting position (see pages 20–21). Bring the backs of both hands together in front of your breastbone. Interlock the little fingers, then join the end of each thumb to the tip of the index and middle fingers on the same hand. Extend your ring fingers so they point up slightly. Hold for as long as feels comfortable; repeat as required.
HOW IT WORKS
By linking the two little fingers (water element) and joining the other elements (represented by the other fingers and thumbs), you evoke the union of Siva (consciousness) and Shakti (the creative principle), the masculine (ha) and feminine (tha) principles of hatha yoga. This is very balancing and supportive of relationships.
ACCOMPANYING VISUALIZATION: AS YOU HOLD THE MUDRA, CLOSE YOUR EYES AND PICTURE YOUR MIND AS A LAKE. NOTICE THE WAVES (THOUGHTS) ON THE LAKE. DON’T TRY TO DRIVE THEM AWAY; JUST BREATHE GENTLY AND WATCH YOUR MIND-LAKE GROW CALMER. SIT FOR 15–45 MINUTES DAILY OR WHEN YOU FEEL MENTALLY TIRED OR HAVE A PROBLEM.
Instrument Gesture
In Sanskrit, karana is an instrument but also refers to your body as the instrument through which you work out karma: the consequences of your actions. You can use Karana Mudra as an instrument to purify the inner space of your body and also to clear the space in which you live. In your physical body, the mudra achieves its detoxifying effect by strengthening the urinary system and kidney energy. In the home or work place, it cleanses the energy of your space when practised in a moving meditative ritual using incense (see below).
HOW TO PRACTISE
Practise in any position. Use your right hand only. Bend your middle and ring fingers into your palm, and press down on the nails with your thumb. Allow your index and little fingers to remain extended, but relaxed. Hold for as long as feels comfortable and repeat as required.
HOW IT WORKS
By pressing down on the nails of the middle and ring fingers, you are reducing the influence of both the ether (enclosing space) and earth (grounding) elements. At the same time you free the purifying effects of the water element (your little finger) and the expansive effects of your airy index finger.
ACCOMPANYING MEDITATION: HOLD SOME WHITE SAGE, FRANKINCENSE OR SANDALWOOD INCENSE IN YOUR LEFT HAND. WITH YOUR RIGHT HAND IN KARANA MUDRA, WALK AROUND YOUR SPACE MINDFULLY, SLOWLY ROTATING YOUR HANDS CLOCKWISE TO MOVE STAGNANT, NEGATIVE ENERGY. PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO CORNERS.
Tortoise Gesture
Kurma in Sanskrit means ‘tortoise’, a water animal also comfortable on land. It represents someone who can adapt to survive by withdrawing within, when necessary, for protection. One of the core myths of Hinduism tells of Vishnu taking the form of a tortoise to protect the world from negativity.
This mudra is effective because it encourages pratyahara, withdrawing mental energy from the senses. Practising pratyahara is like closing windows on a cold day to save energy: closing down your senses conserves the reserves of energy usually spent when you engage outward.
HOW TO PRACTISE
Come into a sitting position (see pages 20–21) or stand up, with hands as follows:
Left hand – with palm facing up, fold middle, ring and little fingers into the palm.
Right hand – with palm facing down, bend the middle and ring fingers into the palm.
Extend your right thumb and rest it on the base of your left wrist. Join the end of the right index finger to the left thumb. Then join the tip of the right-hand little finger with the left-hand index finger. Hold for up to 30 minutes once or twice daily.
HOW IT WORKS
Bringing your hands into this intricate gesture blocks the outward movement of the senses, encouraging pratyahara.
ACCOMPANYING FOCUSING EXERCISE: IN CROWDED OR NEGATIVE PLACES OR THE COMPANY OF DRAINING PEOPLE, BRING YOUR HANDS INTO KURMA MUDRA. CLOSE YOUR EYES IF YOU CAN AND BREATHE GENTLY, FOCUSING ON THE SOUND OF YOUR BREATH TO PREVENT YOUR SENSES FROM ENGAGING WITH YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
Seal of the Goddess
A yoni – the Sanskrit word means ‘seal’, ‘resting place’, ‘womb’, ‘source’, ‘repository’ and ‘receptacle’ – is an abstract representation of Shakti, the dynamic feminine power of nature. It often holds a linga stone, representing Siva (the passive, witnessing consciousness). Practising Yoni Mudra similarly balances opposing but complementary energies in your body, particularly those of the two brain hemispheres. During meditation, it stabilizes body and mind, developing greater concentration and internal awareness. The mudra redirects prana back into the body that would otherwise be dispersed and enhances the downward flow of apana, the subtle energy that cleanses body, mind and emotions.
HOW TO PRACTISE
Come into a sitting position (see pages 20–21). Loosely interlock the fingers of both hands, then release your thumbs and index fingers. Bring the tips of the thumbs together, pointing up. Bring the tips of the index fingers together, pointing down. Rest your hands in your lap. Hold for as long as feels comfortable; repeat as required.
HOW IT WORKS
Interlocking your fingers creates greater connection between the energies from the right and left hands. Joining the tips of your index fingers and thumbs, and pointing them down stimulates downward-flowing cleansing energy. Bringing your thumbs together intensifies the upward flow of prana for enhanced health.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: ‘MY FINGERS GREW WARM WHERE THEY FORMED THE OUTLINE OF THE MUDRA. IT DREW MY MIND TO FOCUS ON THE TRIANGLE THE FINGERS HAD MADE. IT FELT AS IF ENERGY WAS DRAWN FROM THE BODY INTO THE SPACE BETWEEN THE FINGERS.’
Monthly-relief Gesture
This mudra comes from the kinesiology tradition and is used to help relieve monthly menstrual discomfort and cramping. It serves to ease pain and restore balance to the entire body. It also removes blockages of the sacral chakra, which may be the energetic cause of physical pain. You can use the mudra both preventively and at times of acute distress. As a preventative, start practising several days before your period, especially if you suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). If you experience extreme pain, cramping or other discomfort, hold the mudra for 10 minutes up to four times a day, taking a break of at least 25 minutes between practice sessions.
HOW TO PRACTISE
Come into a sitting or kneeling position (see pages 20–21) or lie down. Each hand does something different:
Right hand – bring the thumb tip to the inside of the nail on your ring finger.
Left hand – bring the tips of your thumb and little finger together.
Hold for 3 minutes twice daily, with at least 25-minute break between sessions.
HOW IT WORKS
Your right hand is decreasing the earth element that may be causing pain as you place the thumb on the nail of your ring finger. Your left hand balances the water element when you bring the tips of the thumb and little finger together.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: ‘I FIND THAT REGULAR PRACTICE OF THIS MUDRA, ESPECIALLY IN CHILD’S POSE, HAS NOT ONLY REDUCED MY MENSTRUAL CRAMPS BUT ALSO HELPS ME TO OVERCOME INSOMNIA.’
Balasana: Child’s Pose
Most people find that the most effective way to practise Māsiki Mudra is by bending forward in Child’s Pose, resting your abdomen on your thighs. Practising in this pose helps to cultivate the calming and rejuvenating quality of letting go usually associated with apana, your cleansing breath.
1 Place a mat or folded blanket on the ground. Kneel on the mat with your feet and knees together – or if it is more comfortable, have your knees slightly apart. Then sit back so that your buttocks rest firmly on your heels.
2 Slowly lower your upper body forward, bringing your forehead to the ground – you may place a cushion under your forehead if it feels more comfortable.
3 Stretch your arms straight out on the ground in front of you and bring your hands into Māsiki Mudra. Close your eyes and feel as if you are breathing into your pelvic region.
4 Hold the pose for at least 5 breaths, gradually building up to 25 breaths or more.
5 When you have finished, open your eyes, release the mudra, push yourself back slowly to a kneeling position and gently shake out your hands from the wrists. Take 2–3 deep breaths before standing up.
Fish Gesture
Matsya Mudra activates your body’s healing potential. It stimulates the water element to enhance flexibility, relaxes your muscles, helps hydrate your system and feels refreshing. Practise any time you would like to increase your physical or mental flexibility. It’s especially useful if you practise yoga asanas. This mudra is named for a fish (matsya) who, from the stream, overheard Siva telling his wife Parvati about a system he had devised to unleash the dormant potential within each individual. When the fish turned into a human called Masyendranath, he became the first hatha yoga teacher; his teachings are still followed by practitioners today.
HOW TO PRACTISE
Come into a sitting position (see pages 20–21) or stand up. Place your right palm flat against the back of your left hand. Extend your thumbs to the sides and bring your other fingers together. Hold for 3–5 minutes. To make the mudra more effective, rotate your thumbs clockwise, as if the fish is swimming.
HOW IT WORKS
By bringing your hands and fingers together and releasing the fire element (thumbs) to the side, you intensify the effect of the opposing element, water, enhancing both your inner peace and physical flexibility.
ACCOMPANYING EXERCISE: SIT ON THE GROUND WITH LEGS TOGETHER, STRETCHED OUT. PLACE A BOLSTER OR FOLDED BLANKET LENGTHWAYS BEHIND YOU TO SUPPORT YOUR UPPER BACK AND HEAD AS YOU LIE BACK. STRAIGHTEN YOUR ARMS, RESTING THEM ON YOUR BODY, AND BRING YOUR HANDS INTO MATSYA MUDRA. HOLD FOR 3–5 MINUTES.
Crocodile Gesture
In Indian tradition, a makara is a mythological animal with the body of a crocodile and the tail of a fish (or sometimes a snake or a peacock). He carries the goddess Ganga, the personified form of the River Ganges. Crocodiles are known for their ability to remain absolutely still for long periods, then pounce at lightning speed, quickly converting reserves into usable energy.
This mudra is useful if you have difficulty accessing and unleashing your own potent energy reserves, feel depressed or frustrated or just have too much on your plate. As well as calming and bringing serenity, this mudra helps to relieve bags under your eyes and strengthens the kidneys.
HOW TO PRACTISE
Practise in any position. Join the tips of your left thumb and ring finger. Bring the right thumb between the ring and little finger of your left hand and place its tip on the base of your left thumb. Bring your right palm flat against the back of your left hand. Hold for 5–10 minutes three times daily.
HOW IT WORKS
The left hand balances the fire and air elements as you join your thumb and ring finger, producing a meditative effect similar to Dhyana Mudra (see page 50). The right thumb decreases the ‘heat’ of a situation by stimulating the earth and water elements of the ring and little fingers.
ACCOMPANYING VISUALIZATION: TO MAKE MAKARA MUDRA MORE EFFECTIVE, PRACTISE NEAR WATER OR CLOSE YOUR EYES AND VISUALIZE A BODY OF WATER. DEEPEN YOUR BREATHING AS YOU HOLD THE MUDRA AND PICTURE THE SCENE.