“Apana mudra” is a gesture that activates Apana Vayu, the downward-flowing air which eliminates unwanted things in life.
What is Apana Mudra? Its Meaning, References, and Mythology
Apana Mudra: A Gesture of Elimination
The accumulation of toxins and waste in the body can cause a mental and physical imbalance.
Apana Mudra, one such Mudra, helps to eliminate the body’s wastes and toxins, and negative tendencies.
Earth and ether elements are essential for the body’s elimination. An imbalance in these elements can lead to heavy bodies due to constriction of the organs of elimination (anus, genital organ).
Apana Mudra is a way to bring the earth and ether elements into contact with fire (thumb). Yogic philosophy considers fire the principal element that distorts any imbalances in other elements.
Apana Vayu is the downward-moving energy that lies below the naval area.
These five Pranas form part of the subtle body system and are therefore included in the Pranamaya Kosha. Apana Vayu is one of the five Pranas. It deals with the excretion of bodily wastes such as feces and gas. It’s main purpose is to regulate Apana Vayu.
Alternate name of Apna Mudra
A Gesture of Elimination
How to do Apana Mudra?
- Come into a sitting meditative position such as Padmasana (Lotus Pose) or Sukhasana (Easy Pose).
- Keep your spine comfortably erect.
- Take a few deep breaths to relax.
- Next, let the tips of your ring and middle fingers join the tip end of your thumb.
- Other fingers should be extended and relaxed.
- Place your hands with this arrangement over your kneecaps, palm facing up.
- For approximately 5 to 15 minutes, hold the asana, Mudra.
Also See: Online Yoga Teacher Training
Benefits of Apana Mudra
- This Mudra can relieve regular gas, constipation, and stomach pain. Undigested food particles are the reason. These undigested food particles are controlled by Apana Mudra in the direction of the organ for elimination. It is, therefore, able to treat all stomach-related problems.
- This Mudra helps to open the sweat glands that have been blocked.
- It regulates urination and excretion. This function is why Apana Mudra, also known as the purification Mudra, was created.
- It can also be used to treat diabetes. It is especially beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes.
- This Mudra is also helpful for women experiencing cramps during their menstrual cycle.
- This mudra balances energy from the root chakra and helps to awaken the kundalini energy that lives in the perineum.
- Apana Mudra, in Hindu rituals, is a way of showing the naivedyam (or offerings to the god) to the god. It is also known as Apana oblation.
- It establishes a direct link between Koshas, Pranamaya Kosha, Manomaya Kosha, and Annamaya Kosha. This direct link promotes harmony between the mental and pranic bodies.
Precautions and Contraindications of Apana Mudra
- Make sure you touch the thumb, ring fingertips, and middle finger only.
- If you have osteoarthritis or have had Chikungunya in the past, it may cause problems with folding or making a complete circle using your fingers.
- Do as your body permits.
When and How long to do Apana Mudra?
- This Mudra can be practiced to ease the process of elimination
- It also helps to ease menstruation in women.
Although there is no set time to practice Apana Mudras, it is a good idea to do so in the morning with pranayama.
You can also do this after eating, especially if you feel nauseated.
You can either practice this mudra for 30 to 45 minutes or three sessions of 10-15 minutes.
Research has shown that Mudra can be done for as little as 5 minutes. However, if it is practiced for 20 minutes or more, it produces positive results. It can alter the energy flow in the body.
Breathing in Apana Mudra
You can start practicing this Mudra with
- You can practice various Pranayamas along with this Mudra, as Pranayamas will help to increase the benefits.
Visualization in Apana Mudra
Imagine yourself in a lush, beautiful garden. The variety of colors and shapes of the plants is something you enjoy. The great mystery of nature is revealed to you: how seeds germinate and how plants grow and blossom. Plant something in space. It could be a relationship, a conversation, or a project. Think about how the plant grows, develops, blossoms, and bears rich fruits. These fruits should be shared with everyone. This image should be closed with a huge thank you.
Affirmation in Apana Mudra
I plant my seeds and care for them. I am blessed to receive a rich harvest, which I gratefully accept from God.
Conclusion
The Apana Mudra is an important hand gesture in yoga and meditation. It has many references in mythology and is said to have various benefits. If you are interested in learning more about the mudra or want to start practicing it, we offer a Mudra Certification Course that will teach you everything you need to know. In addition, 108 different mudras can be used for various purposes.