Shankha Mudra: Meaning, Benefits, and How to Do

The Shankha Mudra is a hand gesture with many benefits. Discover what it is, how to do it, and the meaning behind this yoga Mudra.

Definition – What is Shankha Mudra and its Meaning, References, and Mythology?

Shankha Mudra, a hand gesture that looks much like a “Conch Shell Gesture,” is also known as Shankh Mudra.

The conch is an instrument used in rituals. It is also an emblem of auspiciousness in Hinduism. The conch is blown each morning to announce the opening of temple doors. It should also be opened. The same goes for our inner temple, where the divine light shines.

When worshiping, chanting hymns and mantras, or making Shankha Mudra, Yogic practices require that the seeker make Shankha Mudra with their hands. Shankha Mudra can also be used as an alternative to Anjali Mudra or Namaste.

A conch, which is a symbol of auspiciousness, removes negativity. By performing Shankha Mudra, our negative thoughts, energies, and impurities are reduced, and we can move on our spiritual path.

The sound of the conch shell is the ‘OM’ if we pay attention. This Mudra can be used to get the benefits from blowing Shankh.

It is difficult to hear our inner voice when lost in the external world.

This Mudra’s sound of OM pulls us out of the chaos of our minds, which prevents us from listening to our inner voice.

To do this, we can hold hands at the heart center and chant OM. This Mudra can be practiced while OM chanting is being chanted. It stimulates the Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra), which is responsible for communication and self-expression.

Alternate Name of Shankha Mudra

Conch Shell Gesture.

How to Do Shankha Mudra?

• Relax in any meditative position. 
• Place your palms on the chest, with your fingers pointed in front. 
• Place your left thumb in your right palm. Wrap your four fingers from your right hand around the left thumb. Your left hand should be kept together. 
• Slowly turn your left thumb and fingers towards the sky with the right thumb. Join your left thumb and middle fingers together.
• Your hands will now look like a conch shell. Now, hold this arrangement of fingers.
• Focus on your deep breathing and close your eyes as you chant OM in your mind. You can also listen and focus on the echo produced by OM chanting.
• After you have finished with your left thumb enclosed, you can reverse the order of your fingers and continue practicing it for another round.

Shankha Mudra Benefits

• Shankha Mudra stimulates Vishuddhi Chakra, so it overcomes the fear of speaking in front of others.
• Stuttering and stammering are two examples of vocal disorders. It can also help improve the function of the larynx (voice box).
• This Mudra improves speech delivery and clarifies voice, increasing confidence.
• Any throat infection, such as tonsillitis, can be treated. It also helps with allergies.
• This Mudra also has a rejuvenating effect for 72000 Nadis when chanting OM.
•  The thyroid gland secretes the hormone thyroxine. It aids in maturation and growth. Thyroxine hormone is also responsible for height increment.
• Shankha Mudra relieves itchy skin and red rashes due to its action on Pitta Dosha.
• This Mudra can be used by people who have lost their appetite. This Mudra increases appetite by bringing the digestive system back on track.

Shankha Mudra Precautions and Contraindications

• Shankha Mudra can be beneficial for Pitta Dosha. It can cause anxiety, excessive sleep, and migratory pain. However, people with Vata or Kapha Dosha should use it in moderation.
• Do not strain your back and neck.

When and how long to do Shankha Mudra?

• This Mudra is ideal for those who want to improve their vocal cords.
• This Mudra is also very beneficial for people who want to inspire others.

The practice of Shankha Mudra has a significant impact on time and duration.

Shankha Mudra is most effective when it’s done in the morning. The morning air is purifying and increases the positive feeling.

This Mudra can be done in a single sitting for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. You should do this Mudra for 15 minutes at a time and repeat it three times per day. 45 minutes per day. A person suffering from allergic symptoms, fever, or digestive problems may be able to do this for longer.

Breathing in Shankha Mudra

• You can practice various Pranayamas along with this. More specifically, start with Bhramari Pranayama.

Visualization in Shankha Mudra

Let yourself be brought to a state of calm and collected repose by the Mudra, followed by the OM. Imagine your hands as a seashell with the encircled thumb being the pearl inside. Your left thumb is the symbol of the higher self. This allows you to connect with yourself in love and gives you all the help and security you need.

Affirmation in Shankha Mudra

“I use words and thoughts of strength and love to communicate my thoughts and feelings.”

Conclusion

The Shankha Mudra is an easy and effective way to relax the mind and body, improve circulation, and boost energy levels. If you’re looking for a simple way to improve your health and well-being, give the Shankha Mudra a try. And if you want to learn more about Mudras and how to use them effectively, check out our Mudras Certification Course. This course covers all 108 Mudras in detail and provides guidance on how to integrate them into your daily life.