5 Yoga Mudras for Strength

Mudras, translated from Sanskrit meaning ‘seal’ or ‘gesture’, are hand gestures that enhance  energy flow within, according to Ekhart Yoga. An abundance of yoga mudras exists, each with its own unique purpose. These can be used alone in a meditative state or added to your asana or breathwork practice to stimulate prana, energy flow.

Ayurveda, the world’s oldest holistic healing system, outlines the five key elements within the body; space, air, fire, water, and earth. Each of these elements represents each finger. And by performing specific hand gestures, you can connect with these elements to heal. Check out these five yoga mudras for strength designed to honor your inner power and physical abilities.

Kali Mudra

The Kali mudra embodies the fierce, powerful, and fierce Hindu goddess Kali, according to Tummee. Symbolizing destruction, transformation, and death, Kali transforms dark into light. To embody her powerful energy, the Kali mudra invites you to harness fearlessness and strength. 

Through love, this mudra elevates self-esteem and creates a sense of personal power. Benefits include cultivating courage, empowering you to stand up for your truth, and building inner strength. 

To practice Kali mudra, interlace all the fingers together, palms facing inward. Ensure the left thumb is resting over the right thumb. Unlock both index fingers and join them together in a pointing position. You can perform this mudra seated, but it can also add an extra layer of strength to your asana.

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Ganesha Mudra

The Ganesha mudra embodies the elephant-headed Hindu deity Ganesha, as reported by Yoga Jala. In addition to its reputation as the remover of obstacles, the Ganesha mudra increases your strength to face any challenge.

During times of need, you can turn to this special mudra to build self-esteem and courage as you rise above life’s issues. This hand gesture connects you with the power that removes both physical and mental barriers. Besides the internal benefits, Ganesha mudra also offers physical benefits, including improved strength in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers.

Make sure your hands are in a prayer position before you begin. Holding your palms together, rotate your right hand forward, and left hand backward. Your right heart should now face the heart. From here, interlock your fingers at chest level. It’s important to rest the thumbs on the pinky finger of the opposite hand with elbows pointing outwards. 

You can add an extra little touch to this mudra by chanting the Ganesha mantra: Om gam ganapateyei namaha.

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Prithvi Mudra

In alignment with traditional Chinese medicine, the Prithvi mudra resonates with the earth element, according to Yogapedia. A balanced earth element makes you feel strong and confident mentally and physically. 

Integrating this mudra into your yoga practice also stimulates the Muladhara (root chakra) to enhance your sense of security and stability. You can take charge and lead a life of purpose in alignment with your truth through strong roots. 

When practicing Prithvi mudra, press the tips of your ring fingers against the tips of your thumbs on each hand while extending the other fingers straight. You can harness strength from this mudra in a seated meditative state or, as mentioned above, in a yoga flow.

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Brahma Mudra

The Brahma mudra represents the Hindu god of creation, according to Easy Ayurveda. It embodies ultimate reality and sets you up to connect with the supreme spirit. On a physical level, this hand gesture strengthens the nervous system. In particular, you can enhance strength in the nadis, energy channels of transportation, in the neck, shoulders, and back area. 

To practice, Brahma mudra enters a comfortable seated position. Place your hands on your thighs, palms facing upward. Fold your thumbs inward to touch the bottom of the pinky finger. Next up, wrap the rest of your fingers over the thumbs to make a fist. Bringing both fists together, gently press your knuckles inward to touch. Position this hand gesture in alignment with the pubic bone. 

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Surabhi Mudra

If you wish to strengthen the Manipura chakra (solar plexus), this one is for you!

Surabhi mudra combines ethereal elements to boost their powers and produce powerful effects, according to Yoga International. Prana often gets stuck at the solar plexus chakra during a Kundalini practice. To release this energy blockage, you can practice Surabhi mudra. Doing so will enhance strength and encourage free-flowing energy through the other chakras. 

To practice Surabhi mudra, place both palms parallel to one another, facing inward. Point all of the fingers upward as your hands rest at chest level. Join the tip of the left ring finger to the tip of the right little finger. In the same way, join your right ring finger and your left little finger. Connect the tip of your left middle finger to the tip of your right index finger. In the same way, the middle finger of the right-hand joins the index finger of the left hand. It is important to keep your thumbs apart, not touching any part of your hand and pointing toward your heart.

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