The Akasha Mudra is a hand gesture with many benefits for the body and mind. Learn how to do it and find out more about its meaning here.
Definition – What is Akasha Mudra and its Meaning, References, and Mythology?
Akasha Mudra is something also referred to as Akasha Mudra is a hand gesture or a seal. According to some texts, Akasha Mudra should be referred to as Akasha Vardhak Mudra, which translates into Gesture filled with Space Elements.
Mudras are a part of the yogic system. They are mainly practiced when you are practicing Pranayama & Meditation. They improve the quality of Meditation & Pranayama and help you to achieve your goal.
You might have heard that according to Yogic philosophy, we have five elements:
Akasha (Space/Ether)
Vayu (Air)
Prithvi (Earth)
Jal (Water)
Agni (Fire)
Akasha is known as the space element. However, some translations claim it to be the Ether element. From its translation, Akasha Mudra is sometimes also referred to as “Gesture of Space.” It activates our space element or cosmic element. Therefore, it improves certain physical aspects of our body. It improves our reflexes in the brain. We take lesser time to respond to any threat. It improves quick decision-making, so if we need to come up with some decisions quickly, it can help.
The middle finger denotes the Akasha element, the element of space.
It also helps to detoxify the impurities of our bodies. Many types of impurities lie within our bodies. It removes impurities not only from the body but also from the mind. So, it gives clear thinking.
It can be practiced with other Mudras to balance all the five elements in our bodies, giving a proper balance of 5 Bhutas (5 Elements). Establishing harmony between our external and internal world.
Practicing this Mudra gives you the satisfaction that you complete.
Alternate Name of Akasha Mudra
The Gesture of Space.
How to Do Akasha Mudra?
- This Mudra can be practiced while holding different postures if you feel it is right for you to do so.
- However, to gain maximum benefits of this Mudra, start by sitting in a comfortable meditative posture (Sukhasana, Padmasana, or Swastikasana). Whichever posture you find comfortable while sitting is fine. Keeping your spinal health in mind.
- Keep your neck and spine comfortably erect.
- Rest both of your palms comfortably on your knee. Palms facing upward towards the sky.
- Gently close your eyes.
- Now, gently join your middle finger and thumb to form a circle. Make sure to do this on both of your hands. All the remaining fingers will remain comfortably extended.
- Observe the space behind your eyes known as ChidAkasha or “Chitta ka Akasha.” This dark space also represents the “Akasha Tatva” (Space Element).
- Use your imagination to fill ChidAkasha with white or yellow light.
- Witness your inner self.
- Inhale deeply and exhale completely.
- You can practice it with different Pranayama and various meditation techniques such as Bhamri Pranayama (Humming Bee Pranayama) & Chandra Bhedi Pranayam (Left Nostril Breathing).
Akasha Mudra Benefits
- It fills our body with “Akasha Tatva” or “Space Element.” If anybody has insufficient space element, practicing this will help them eliminate this problem.
- Akasha Mudra helps us to meditate even better. Whenever we close our eyes, we get lost in ChidAkasha. If we have more spatial awareness, then it will improve the quality of our meditation practice.
- This Mudra also helps us to detoxify our body and helps to remove toxins.
- It brings positivity to your body.
- It helps to alleviate problems caused by diseases related to the Akasha element, such as Migraine and Sinusitis.
- More space element means more space for other elements such as air, water, fire & earth.
- It helps with hearing problems as well.
- It activates the throat Chakra.
Akasha Mudra Precautions and Contraindications
Similar to all other Mudra practices, it has no side effects.
However, there are a few things to consider:
- Those who experience Vata imbalance should proceed with precautions.
- Have patients. If you want to achieve good results, patience is a virtue.
- Do not firmly press your finger against each other. They should be slightly touching each other and not put excessive pressure.
- Do not confuse it with Gyan Mudra. In this, we join the middle finger & the thumb.
- Keep your spine comfortably erect.
When and how long to do Akasha Mudra?
- This Mudra can be practiced when you feel imbalances caused by space elements in your body.
- If you have diseases related to space elements, such as Sinusitis, Migraine, and Hearing problems.
- You can practice this if you want to a greater state in meditation.
Morning is the ideal time to do any yoga or Mudra. In the morning, at this time during the daytime, our brain is at its best. So, you are more likely to be able to concentrate easily. Therefore, you should practice this Mudra from 4 am and 6 am to get the most effective outcomes.
If you are having difficulty with this during the morning, you can do this Mudra later in the evening too.
Practicing this Mudra for a minimum of 30-40 minutes daily is recommended. Whether you wish to complete it in one stretch or two threes that last between 10 and 15 minutes, it’s up to you. Based on research, the best way to practice an exercise for at least 20 minutes is to get the best benefits of that particular Mudra.
Breathing in Akasha Mudra
There are two types of breathing we can practice with this Mudra.
- Abdominal Breathing.
- Yogic Breathing (Abdominal Breathing, Thoracic Breathing & Clavicle breathing.)
Visualization in Akasha Mudra
- Visualize that you are floating in space.
- You are not bound by gravity.
- You can see various planets.
- You see planet Earth.
Affirmation in Akasha Mudra
While practicing this, Keep a positive intention. Start with:
“I enjoy being weightless. I feel my bones are free and relaxed from all the burdens.”
Conclusion
The Akasha Mudra is one of the most popular and well-known Mudras. This Mudra is associated with space element and has a number of benefits, including relaxation, increased concentration, and improved sleep. If you’re interested in learning more about Mudras and how to use them for your wellness, we offer a comprehensive Mudras Certification Course that covers all 108 Mudras. In this course, you’ll learn about the history and origins of Mudras and how to incorporate them into your daily life for optimal health and well-being.
