Five Ways Yoga Mudras Can Transform Your Life

Mudras are a sacred gift, a secret waiting to be revealed.

Gertrud Hirschi

What Are Mudras?

Mudras, or ‘seals’ in Sanskrit, are specific hand gestures used in yoga and meditation to influence energy flow in the body. The term used to describe this use of the hands is also known as ‘Hasta’ mudra which means ‘hand seal’. They activate channels of Prana (vital energy) through pathways known as Nadis—energy highways running throughout our bodies.

While some texts reference 72,000 Nadis, others mention slightly different numbers. Regardless of exact counts, these Nadis form an essential part of energy regulation in yogic tradition. By engaging certain mudras, we can guide Prana into greater balance, helping us to focus the mind and draw our attention inward.

In traditional Indian dance, mudras are used symbolically, to convey stories and add embellishment.

Through the use of mudras, we evoke a hidden power within that helps us connect in with the subtle energy body known as the Pranamaya Kosha (the energy sheath covering the true-self). Working with this energy body, provides a pathway toward understanding the divine presence residing within each of us.

By incorporating mudras into our everyday life and actively promoting the flow of prana, we invite both healing and spiritual growth.

1. Build Self-Confidence

Mudras have enhanced my sense of self and centredness. Instead of feeling uneasy about speaking up or negotiating, I now find myself more empowered to express my needs. For example, asking for a pay rise. Recognising my own worth—typically a daunting task, has become achievable through a new inner resilience. Practising confidence-building mudras, I’ve noticed a steady increase in self-assurance, especially in situations where I once hesitated.

Try Ganesha Mudra: with your left palm facing out and your right palm facing in towards you, bend the fingers so they interlock with each other in a grip. Hold for this for a while, then repeat with your right hand facing out and your left hand facing in.

2. Tune into Intuition

Mudras have helped me connect more deeply to my intuition. While practising mudras, I once had a vivid vision of the company that would go on to publish my Yoga Mudra Oracle Deck—a vision that became reality! This experience highlighted the power of mudras to amplify my intuitive abilities and strengthen my trust in the guidance that arises within.

Try Hakini Mudra: bring the tips of the left- and right-hand fingers to touch lightly. This posture is usually held in front of your heart chakra. But if it feels right for you, you might also like to try it in front of your third eye chakra. With eyes open or closed, direct your gaze or awareness towards that chakra. Relax your shoulders and imagine you are holding a sphere of light between your hands.

3. Express Boundaries

Speaking my truth and setting boundaries has been a much-needed area of growth. Mudras have given me the commitment and clarity to protect my energy, make wiser choices and cultivate respectful relationships. Now, I understand that setting boundaries is a form of self-care, helping me discern where and with whom I should share my energy.

Try Shankh Mudra: wrap the four fingers of the right hand around your left thumb. Touch the right thumb pad to the pad of the middle finger on the left hand, forming the shape of a conch shell. Hold the mudra in the space between your heart and throat chakra.

4. Attract Abundance

With consistent mudra practice, I’ve noticed a natural alignment with abundance in various forms. From building my website to invitations for speaking engagements and the formation of meaningful new friendships, this practice has opened me to a flow of opportunities and synchronicities. Practising abundance-focused mudras has also brought about publishing opportunities and supported me in attracting a like-minded community.

Try Kubera Mudra: on each hand, bring together the tips of the thumb, index and middle finger. Curl the other two fingers of each hand inwards, towards the middle of each palm. Place your hands on the backs of your thighs.

5. Listen to Your Heart

It’s easy to get caught up with the mind and its incessant chatter. Listening to the heart requires a different quality of presence. Closely related to intuition, heart-listening has been uniquely enriching. Through mudras, meditation and breathwork, I’ve learned to access my heart’s voice with greater clarity. Dedicating space to hear this inner guidance, I am constantly amazed at the simplicity and wisdom that surfaces when I take the time to listen.

Try Jnana Mudra: using both hands, lightly bring the tips of each thumb and index finger together. Now extend the other fingers, keeping the gesture relaxed and comfortable as you rest your hands on your thighs, palms facing upwards.