Vayu Mudra (Air Gesture): Steps, Benefits & More

Practicing Vayu Mudra balances the five elements in the body and balance the ups & downs of the air element in our body.

The concept of Vayu (air) as one of the five fundamental elements is central to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. According to Ayurveda, these five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether (space)—combine to form the three doshas: Vata (composed of air and ether), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). Maintaining a balance among these doshas is believed to contribute to overall health and well-being.

Vayu Mudra  – Air Gesture

The name Vayu Mudra comes from the Sanskrit, there Vayu, meaning “air,” and mudra, meaning “gesture.” Mudras are symbolic hand gestures or positions that are often used in conjunction with meditation and breathing exercises in various traditional systems, including Ayurveda.

Vayu mudra is a specific mudra associated with the regulation of the Vata dosha, which corresponds to the air element.

Why Vayu (Air) Is Important?

According to Ayurveda, eighty-four types of air inside every human body. Vayu increases the versatility of the mind and it is a very essential element for purification of blood.

Air imbalance in one of the major concerns in the human body. It is believed that until the pure air is received by the body, our body remains sick. That’s why Vayu-mudra is practiced to keep the mind focused. this mudra takes care of the air element in the human body. It will regulate and reducing the movement of air inside the human body which will make the body healthy.

It is advisable that the fire element resides in the thumb and the air element resides in the index finger. Thus, in this mudra the air element is suppressed with the fire of the thumb. Vayu Mudra is related to Ayurvedic Vata dosha. Therefore, Vayu Mudra can be helpful for those who suffer from aggravated Vata dosha.

It is said that by repeatedly doing this pose for some time, the severity of the problem related to air disorders is removed. In fact, long-term practice will produce the best results for living a happy or healthy life.

Let’s look down the benefits of Vayu Mudra and how to do it.

Steps To Do Vayu Mudra

Vayu Mudra is associated with a happy and healthy life. This yogic hand gesture is one of the easiest mudras to perform. The index finger is the symbol of the air element that takes care of the air element in the body.

There are some simple steps which will explain how to do this Vayu Hasta Mudra:

• First of all, sit in any comfortable seating posture and place the hands with palm pointing upwards on the thighs or the knees.
• Meditation postures like Padmasana, Swastikasana, and Vajrasana, etc. are ideal for the practice of mudras.
• Close your eyes and take some deep breaths with the awareness of the breathing process.
• Now fold your index finger and press it with your thumb. You may feel some pain. But that does not last long.
• The rest of the three fingers should be kept extended as much as possible.
• In addition, it should be done with both hands simultaneously.
• Perform this pose for 35 minutes at a stretch every day or for 10 to 12 minutes three times a day.

It is not necessary to do this on an empty stomach. You can also practice this posture on a full stomach. Vayu Mudra can also be practiced standing, sitting or lying down.

Benefits Of Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Air)

• Vayu mudra is thought to be beneficial for conditions associated with excess air, such as joint pain and arthritis.
• As Vata is related to the air and ether elements, balancing Vata is believed to help calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
• Ayurveda suggests that Vayu mudra may help regulate digestive processes, as imbalances in the Vata dosha can affect digestion. Balancing Vata is associated with increased energy and vitality.
• Regular practicing of Vayu mudra is recommended to calm a stressed nervous system and soothe the mind.
• It is believed to soothe the pain associated with rheumatism, sciatica or gout, Tremors, and Vertigo.
• It is thought to reduce Parkinson’s disease.
• When practiced regularly, it will increase memory power and sharpens the brain.
• It relaxes the muscles as well as overcharged endocrine glands.

Time Interval

It can be practiced anytime while standing, sitting or lying on the bed. You can chant a mantra or change the words silently. There is no specific time period for this posture. Of course, all the mudras are very effective when you do them between 4-6 am in the morning. For excellent, best and efficient results, make sure you practice regularly for two months.

Side Effects

However, all mudras are beneficial to us without any side-effects. Pressure should not be applied on the finger. Pressure means, your mind is restless and not stable. As a result, nothing at all. Perform this mudra freely.

Conclusion

While mudras are part of traditional practices, their effectiveness is subjective, and scientific evidence supporting their specific health benefits may be limited.