HAND MUDRA FOR DIGESTION: Before & After MEALS

YOGA MUDRA FOR ALL DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS

Hand mudras or Yoga Mudras (energetic seals or gestures) are said to influence the flow of energy through the body.

Pushan mudra (the gesture of digestion) is a hand mudra used to activate prana Vayu (the energy of receptivity), Samana Vayu (the energy of digestion and assimilation), and Apana (the energy of elimination). Unlike many other hasta (hand) mudras in which both hands are in the same position, the fingers of the right hand create a receptive position while those of the left hand take a form that represents elimination.

Pushan Mudra is a yogic hand mudra or gesture used for improving digestion and nourishment. According to Ayurveda, the thumb represents the fire element, the index finger indicates the air element, the middle finger indicates space element and the ring finger, the earth element. In Pushan mudra, the hand gesture is different for the two hands. In the right hand use the Apana Vayu mudra and for the left hand use the Prana Vayu Mudra. Together they form the Pushan Mudra.

Pushan is a solar deity whose work is to conduct souls to the afterlife. He also appears at times of transition in life, like marriage, relocation, or the birth of a child. Times that may be, well, hard to digest. As such, Pushan mudra can be used to help us assimilate and process anxieties that may arise in new phases of life.

On a physical level, Pushan mudra—which is associated with the stomach, liver, and gallbladder—is classically practiced as a means to relieve nausea, flatulence, and the aftereffects of rich meals, though it is not meant to replace medical treatment. On emotional and mental levels, when times are changing and we need extra help to better digest life, hand mudras such as Pushan can be our “yoga on the go.” 

HOW TO PRACTICE PUSHAN MUDRA

Right hand mudra

For upper-GI-tract issues like reflux and belching:

Press the tips of the index and middle fingers to the tip of the thumb. The ring and little fingers remain outstretched, the palm facing up.

For lower-GI-tract issues like gas, bloating, or constipation:

Press the tips of the ring and little fingers to the thumb. The index and middle fingers are left outstretched, palm up.

Left hand mudra
The left hand is the same for all GI issues:

Press the tips of the middle and ring fingers to the tip of the thumb. The index and pinkie fingers remain outstretched, the palm facing up.

With the backs of the hands resting on the top of the thighs (in a place that doesn't create tension in the arms or shoulders), increase pressure from the fingertips on the thumb on your inhalation and release the pressure a bit on exhalation for a relaxing effect.

Classically, hand mudras are practiced for 45 minutes a day in five-minute intervals (to balance the five elements), but any time you have can be beneficial. While you can enjoy this hand mudra in any body position, I like to practice in vajrasana (thunderbolt pose) or bhadrasana (gracious pose), a wide-knee kneeling posture with big toes touching, for additional stimulation to the digestive meridians.

Some experiences are definitely harder to digest than others, but classic techniques like breath awareness combined with Pushan mudra allow us to simply and subtly move through transitions on all levels of being.

Benefits of Pushan Mudra

Pushan Mudra improves the functioning of the digestive system.

It is good for liver, stomach and spleen.

Pushan mudra can be also done sitting in Vajrasana, immediately after meals to improve digestion and assimilation of digested food.

It can relieve nausea during motion sickness.

It helps to detoxify the body.