Shunya Mudra is a simple yoga hand gesture that can support your overall health and well-being. Regular practice is traditionally believed to aid in stress reduction, improve focus, and promote balance in the body’s energetic system. It is important to remember that mudras are not a substitute for medical treatment. In this article, we’ll explore the traditional understanding of Shunya Mudra, how to perform it, and how to include it in your daily routine to support overall wellness.
What is Shunya Mudra?
Shunya mudra, known as the “Mudra of Emptiness” or “Heaven Mudra,” is a specific arrangement of the hands where the tip of the middle finger connects with the base of the thumb. The remaining fingers maintain a relaxed extension. The Sanskrit term ‘shunya’ translates to ‘zero,’ ’emptiness’ or ‘void’, signifying the vastness, openness, and lightness this mudra is thought to instill within us. As per Ayurvedic principles, practising Shunya Mudra is traditionally associated with balancing the space or ‘ether’ element (Akasha) within our bodies. It is often suggested that this mudra stimulates your Anahata (heart) chakra, an energy centre associated with feelings of love, compassion, and inner tranquillity.
How to Do Shunya Mudra?
Following these steps will help you adeptly practice Shunya Mudra:
Sit comfortably, cross-legged or on a chair, keeping your spine straight and shoulders relaxed. Raise your hands to chest level with palms facing each other. Gently press the tip of your middle finger to the fleshy mound at the base of your thumb, keeping the remaining fingers straight and relaxed. Close your eyes, take slow, deep breaths, and focus on calming your mind. Maintain the mudra for a duration comfortable for you, typically 5 to 15 minutes, directing your attention inward, ideally toward your heart center.
Did You Know?
In traditional texts, Shunya Mudra is often referred to as the “gesture of silence” and is believed to address imbalances related to the ear, a sense organ governed by the ether element [1], which includes conditions like vertigo and hearing difficulties. By performing this mudra, the practitioner aims to balance the energy in the body and potentially support equilibrium and hearing. It’s a simple yet powerful gesture used in various practices of yoga and meditation!
Benefits of Shunya Mudra
Shunya Mudra is a simple hand gesture in yoga that may support overall health. While it is not a cure for medical conditions, practicing it regularly is traditionally believed to provide these benefits:
1. Supports Hearing and Balance
This mudra is traditionally used to address imbalances that may lead to ear pain, sensations of heaviness in the ear, and ease ringing in the ears (tinnitus) [2]. It may support the nervous system to promote balance, potentially offering relief from feelings of dizziness or vertigo [1], though scientific evidence is limited.
2. Improves Focus and Calmness
Regular practice is believed to help improve concentration, mental clarity, and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety [3].
3. Supports Nerve and Hand Function
Practitioners suggest it may stimulate nerves in the hands, and by improving energy flow, support better sensory and motor function.
4. Relieves Sensations of Emptiness or Numbness
It is thought to help relieve sensations of emptiness or numbness in specific body parts, such as the head, chest, or abdomen by improving subtle energy flow.
Conclusion
Shunya Mudra is a valuable practice that may offer benefits like improved hearing, balance, and mental clarity, potentially making it useful for managing symptoms related to vertigo and dizziness when practiced alongside appropriate medical care. However, caution is essential. It is recommended to practice it carefully and, especially if you have existing health concerns, seek guidance from a qualified yoga instructor or healthcare professional to avoid potential unintended effects. Although no significant risks are widely reported, it is prudent to consider individual health conditions and stop practice if any discomfort arises. The key is not just to practice, but to practice correctly and mindfully for the best results.
FAQs
How to do the Yoni mudra step by step?
To perform Yoni Mudra, sit comfortably. Bring your hands together in front of your chest. Join the tips of the thumbs and fingers to form a triangle or seal (in advanced versions, the index and middle fingers are joined to block the ear and eyes), and focus on breathing deeply.
What are the benefits of Shunya mudra?
Shunya Mudra supports mental clarity, emotional balance, and helps control stress and anxiety. It can also assist in supporting concentration and fostering a sense of inner calm and grounding.
What are the side effects of Shunya Vayu mudra?
Possible side effects of any mudra, including Shunya Mudra, include mild dizziness or discomfort if practised excessively or incorrectly. If Shunya Mudra is held for too long, some people may experience a feeling of being too ‘grounded’ or even dullness. It’s important to practice under guidance, especially if you have health concerns.
References
[1] Mukhopadhyay, K. (2021). Figure 5. Shunya Mudra (25) benefits of the Shunya Mudra practice: This Mudra is very helpful in treating the following conditions. In BANDHA (Inner Lock)-MUDRA (Hand Gesture): Essences of Optimising Health (pp. 1–12). International Journal of Advanced Research in Science Communication and Technology, 6(2). https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kishore-Mukhopadhyay-2/publication/356426398_BANDHA_Inner_Lock-MUDRA_Hand_Gesture_Essences_of_Optimizing_Health/links/6503ff0eca19e8355c93f45a/BANDHA-Inner-Lock-MUDRA-Hand-Gesture-Essences-of-Optimizing-Health.pdf
[2] PV, B. D. (2019). HEALTH FOR MUDRA THERAPY. Global Journal of Religions, 1, 1. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pvbalaji-Deekshitulu/publication/383531331_Global_Journal_of_Religions_HEALTH_FOR_MUDRA_THERAPY/links/66d1597b64f7bf7b1948bb15/Global-Journal-of-Religions-HEALTH-FOR-MUDRA-THERAPY.pdf
[3] Menen, R. (2011). The healing power of mudras: The yoga of the hands. Singing Dragon. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=LRbl0m_HjbkC&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=Shunya+Mudra+benefits&ots=MI3kJmfrFL&sig=wlWG3ZoxTYIZoq6nI_yZmLAnxYo