The amazing Apana Mudra!
Apana Mudra is named after the “apan-vayu”, one of the five subdivisions of life - energy called “Pran” (Sanskrit) in yoga and Ayurveda. Apana is second-most important of the five forms of Pran and “Vayu” is a Sanskrit word that means wind and refers to the movement of Pran through the body. In this mudra, two mudras are formed together viz. Prithvi Mudra and Akash Mudra – joining of three elements, namely fire, space and earth. Akash Mudra cures all diseases relating to the heart, lungs, ear and throat while Prithvi Mudra gives strength to the body and removes all vitamin/mineral deficiencies.
It’s a sacred hand gesture or ‘seal,’ used during yoga and meditation practice as a means of channelling the flow of life’s vital force energy. It is also referred to as a purification mudra and is specifically used to detoxify and purify the body while balancing the elements of fire, space and earth within it. When the waste and toxins accumulate in the body, it creates an imbalance in our physical and mental state.
It is a “hasta mudra”, which means it is performed using the hands. Going back to what I had mentioned in my previous article, the Apana Vayu Mudra is active in the pelvic and lower abdominal areas and is responsible for digestion, elimination and reproduction, (both male and female).
The Apana Mudra increases the Vata and Kapha doshas whilst helping to decrease pitta, thereby helping to balance all three doshas in the body. The mechanism of Apana Mudra’s elimination can be understood by knowing the energy associated with five fingers. Thumb – Energy of fire
Index finger – Energy of air Middle finger – Ether energy Ring finger – Earth energy
Little finger – Water energy
In Apana Mudra, you bring earth (ring finger) and ether (middle finger) elements in contact with the element of fire (thumb). The reason: For elimination of waste in the body. When an imbalance arises in these two elements, the body becomes heavy because of constriction in organs of elimination (anus and genital organ). In yogic psychology, fire is considered the principal element that burns up the imbalances present in other elements. Hence, by practicing Apana Mudra, elements associated with the elimination of waste and toxins in the body get balanced. This affects all the organs located in this part of the body viz. reproductive organs, stomach, colon, rectum, anus, hips, thighs, legs, knees, feet, etc and cures all diseases of these organs. It activates Swadhisthan and Muladhara chakra.
The benefits of Apana Mudra:
Doing this mudra during pregnancy thrice a day for 15 mins in the
8th and 9th month can ensure a normal delivery.
This mudra helps soothe period pain and cramps. This mudra is a must for women who have irregular periods. Strengthend pelvic organs. Cures back pain. Strengthens the immune system. Boosts overall intestinal health. It helps in curing nausea, vomiting, hiccough, etc.
It is useful in colon infections and diseases such as constipation, colitis, piles.
It is also helpful in curing high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory diseases, toothache, gum diseases, pyorrhea, liver diseases, colic (stomach ache), etc.
It aids in curing the impotency of both males and females.
How to do it?
1. Sit comfortably
2. Fold the middle and ring finger towards the thumb and bring your thumb closer to the folded fingers (both hands).
3. Gently press the folded finger’s tip against the tip of the thumb. Keep the remaining fingers straight, and as extended as possible.
4. Now, place your both hands (with this arrangement) over the kneecap, palm facing upward. Keep finger arrangement motionless for the entire practice.
Either practice this mudra for a duration of 30 to 45 minutes or in three sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. For best results, one should perform this mudra in the morning.
(To understand Mudras properly and attaches appearing earlier in this column, you are invited to our Zoom meeting (ID: 4793331908; Password: healing) held every Monday from 7 PM to 7:45 PM. It’s a free service courtesy of The Free Press Journal and the Lions Club Mumbai ACTIONs. You can also share your problems by writing to us at features@fpj.co.in; lionsclubofaction@gmail.com or send a WhatsApp at 9323178565.)