Simple Mudras for Good Health discussed some of the most basic Mudras, or Hand Gestures. Continuing with our discussions on Mudras, we discuss the benefits and side effects of Prana Mudra here.
Mudras are hand gestures which channelizes the energy emanating from our body. They are designed to activate energy center’s in our brains for a benevolent effect on our body.
Some of these Mudras are quite common and associated with the practice of Yoga and Pranayam. We discussed Gyan Mudra for Wellness in earlier article which is also known as Dhyan Mudra due to its use when meditating.
Bandhs are more complex Mudras proposed in the Ancient Text Yoga Sutram by Sage Patanjali.
These complex Mudras must be practiced under the guidance of experienced practitioners only since you are working on your internal organs by practicing Mudras.
This article is meant to educate you on the various practices available to enhance your wellness. People suffering from pre-existing conditions must consult their medical practitioner before taking up such practice.
We discuss Prana Mudra here in context of what it is, how to practice and its side-effects.
How is Prana Mudra Done?
Prana Mudra is done in any position whether sitting, standing or lying down. It is done with the tip of thumb touching the ring and little finger.
Prana means Life Force in Sanskrit and this Mudra is supposed to activate life forces in its practitioner.
The five fingers of human Body represents the five elements of Nature- Fire, Air, Ether, Earth and Water. The thumb represents Fire, Ring Finger Earth and Little Finger Water. Prana Mudra is the interaction of Fire Element with the Earth and Water Element.
Prana Mudra is done with palm in the upward position. It can be done either in the morning or in the evening. It is not recommended doing Prana Mudra after Sunset.
Do not stretch the other fingers and let then be in position as they are. Stretching the fingers is an incorrect recommendation you might come across.
What are the Benefits of Prana Mudra
There are numerous benefits attributed to Prana Mudra including,
1. Relaxation and rejuvenation of muscles thereby reducing muscle pain.
2. Better lung health curing breathing problems.
3. Wiping off lethargy but injecting life force into you.
4. Complementing and enhancing absorption of vitamins in your body.
5. Strengthening one’s immune system.
Prana Mudra’s Effects arise our of interaction of Earth Elements with Fire and Water. The Earth Element represents one’s body. Hence, the entire body is rejuvenated by performing this Mudra.
How Long Should we do Prana Mudra?
Prana Mudra should be done for 45 minutes in one sitting or in three to four sessions on 10-15 minutes each.
A beginner can start with holding the Mudra for ten minutes to start with and then gradually increase it to the recommended duration. As in any Mudra, Prana Mudra takes about 30 seconds to establish the connections.
Beginners should practice Prana Mudra for at least 21 days to see any benefits. The benefits are subtle and may not be noticeable at times. Make Prana Mudra a part of your daily life to take full benefit of its preventive effects.
Practice Prana Mudra daily. One can practice it even in lying position. So make it a practice to hold this position after waking up and before sleeping!
Is Prana Mudra Good for Heart?
Prana Mudra is good for heart. It strengthens heart health when practiced regularly. It is good for the lungs too.
Prana Mudra activates the various organs of our body- fills them up with life. Life here would mean oxygenated blood in pure biological sense. Hence, it assists in the heart’s function.
The various body organs being fed with oxygenated blood reduces the stress on heart. That ensures better health of the heart.
However, heart stroke a major complication in the body. Do not attempt to undertake any new activity without the consent of your Medical Practitioner in such cases.
Can there be any Side Effects of Prana Mudra
Prana Mudra can have no side effects though it is recommended not to practice this Mudra after Sunset. The obvious reason being that metabolism must follow a natural pattern and performing Prana Mudra increases metabolism.
Prana Mudra is one of the most common Mudra performed during or after Yoga. Gyan Mudra must be followed by Prana Mudra.
One can make Prana Mudra a part of their daily life without worrying about any Side effects!
My Word on Benefits and Side Effects of Prana Mudra
Prana Mudra is one of the simplest Hand Mudras which can be performed on a regular basis.
It is performed with the thumb touching the Ring Finger and the Little Finger. The palm must be pointing upwards. Practice this Mudra in sitting, standing or lying down. There is no restriction on the position in which you perform.
Prana Mudra can be performed anytime though it is not recommended performing after Sunset.
The major benefits of Prana Mudra is as follows:
– Relaxation and rejuvenation of muscles thereby reducing muscle pain.
– Better lung health curing breathing problems.
– Wiping off lethargy but injecting life force into you.
– Complementing and enhancing absorption of vitamins in your body.
– Strengthening one’s immune system.
Prana Mudra is formulated for long term benefits and short term changes might not be visible. Follow a 21/90 Rule for this Mudra- make it a habit by practicing it for 21 days and graduate to a lifestyle change in 90 days!
This Mudra is considered good for heart as it assists the heart in pumping oxygenated blood to every nook and corner of the body. Prana Mudra improves general heart health.
This Mudra has no side effects and one can make it part of daily life without worrying about it. It can only impart benefits over a period.
To complete the understanding of Prana Mudra, here is a video link of How to do Prana Mudra for beginners.
I hope to enjoyed reading this article and adapt it in your everyday life to enhance your wellness.
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