Types of Yoga Mudra

A yoga mudra is a gesture, often of the hands, and denotes a seal or closing up. Mudras are part of the yogic tools that redirect energy to activate a specific area, and by sealing parts of the body, the prana flows through the open channels with more power. Yoga mudras impact your thinking and posture, are small movements to be done while fully inhaling and exhaling and can mostly be done sitting in Sukasana or Easy Pose, a comfortable seated cross-leg posture.

Jnana Mudra

Jnana Mudra symbolizes the seal of knowledge according to B.K.S. Iyengar, yoga guru and author of "Light on Yoga." The thumb and index finger form a circle with the tips touching and the other three fingers extend straight. If the palms face up, the mind opens to receive awareness. If the palms face down, the mind is invited to go inward. According to yoga teacher and author of "The Complete Book of Yoga and Meditation for Pregnancy," Theresa Jamieson, the ancient yogic texts say "the index finger represents the soul and the thumb represents higher or supreme consciousness." Connecting the two creates a seal that commands what you know and elevates your inner belief power.

Anjali Mudra

Anjali Mudra signifies appreciation and honor according to YogaJournal.com. The palms press together at your heart center, the elbows splay to the sides and the thumbs rest on your sternum. The gesture, coupled with a relaxed posture and deep breathing, will reduce your stress levels, soothe your brain and open your heart according to YogaJournal.com.

Vajrapradama Mudra 

According to Kelly McGonigal, editor of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy, Buddhism perceives a thunderbolt as "an expression of powerfully focused energy. "Vajra" translates to "thunderbolt" and this mudra symbolizes unshakable confidence. The fingers interlace, the thumbs point straight up and the palms rest on the heart center. Vajrapradama Mudra helps activate your personal power and taps into the Universal focused energy.

Yoni Mudra

"Yoni" means womb or source and Yoni Mudra is a gesture that allows you to look within to awaken your source. Place the thumbs in the ear-holes to seal the external sound. Close your eyes, place the index and middle fingers on the eyelids and gently press the lid. Narrow the nostrils with your ring finger tips and breathe. Yoni Mudra allows the senses to go inward and fully connect with the breath rhythm. A sense of calmness and stillness sets in and balances the left and right sides of your brain.