Shunya Mudra: The Mudra for Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Hastha Mudras, or hand gestures, are vital in yoga practice and offer numerous health benefits. Shunya Mudra, also known as AakaashShaamak, symbolizes our inner heaven. Regular practice of Shunya Mudra helps to balance the body by harmonizing the sky elements and the body’s fire elements. The name Shunya Mudra derives from Sanskrit, where “Shunya” denotes openness, spaciousness, or emptiness, and “Mudra” refers to gesture. Thus, Shunya mudra can be translated as the “Heaven Mudra” due to the association of Shunya with heaven or sky.

Let us learn more about Shunya Mudra and the benefits of practising hand gestures. Read on!

Shunya Mudra Meaning, Steps And Benefits

The heaven mudra, also known as Shunya mudra, is incredibly popular and beneficial. It derives its name from an intriguing story. This mudra grants the practitioner the ability to hear Anahata sounds, which are not ordinary sounds. Only experienced yogis who have dedicated themselves to long-term meditation practice can perceive these sounds. Achieving this stage allows one to experience a profound sense of tranquility. The mudra transports the practitioner to a heightened state, where they may feel as though they are on another planet or in an entirely different realm. It can be described as a pathway to attaining eternal bliss.

How to Do Shunya Mudra Or Heaven Mudra:

Shunya Mudra is a yogic hand gesture that promotes tranquility and peace. It is an easy gesture to perform. To do Shunya Mudra, follow these simple steps:

1. Begin by sitting comfortably in a quiet place, preferably in a meditative posture.
2. Take a few deep breaths to relax your mind and body.
3. Extend your hands in front of you and bend your middle finger to touch the base of your thumb.
4. Gently apply pressure with your thumb to keep the middle finger in place.
5. Straighten the other three fingers, keeping them relaxed but not stiff.
6. Hold this hand gesture for 15 to 30 minutes or as long as you feel comfortable.

Practicing Shunya Mudra regularly can help you achieve a state of calmness and inner peace. It is believed to activate the element of space within the body, which can have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being. Remember to listen to your body and adjust the duration of the mudra according to your comfort level. Enjoy the serenity that Shunya Mudra brings to your practice.

Tips to Perform Shunya Mudra:

Performing Shunya Mudra offers numerous benefits. However, it is important to follow certain tips to maximize its advantages. Firstly, if you feel weak, it is advisable to avoid practicing Shunya Mudra. Secondly, it is recommended not to perform the mudra immediately before or after meals. These precautions help ensure a safe and effective practice of Shunya Mudra. By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance the positive impact of this powerful hand gesture.

How Long Do You Hold Shunya Mudra?

Spreading the daily practice of Shunya Mudra is crucial for its numerous benefits. Initially, begin with ten minutes of practice two to three times a day. As you progress, gradually increase the duration to 25 minutes in one sitting. For enhancing concentration, incorporating the recitation of a mantra can be helpful. By following these steps, you can cultivate the habit of regular Shunya Mudra practice, leading to improved well-being and focus.

Best Time to Practice Shunya Mudra?

All the mudras can be performed at any hour of the day without any restrictions. However, the ideal time to practice Shunya Mudra, irrespective of stress and tensions, is during the morning hours from 4 AM to 6 AM. This time frame is considered optimal as it aligns with the period when your mind is in its freshest state. Performing mudras during this period can enhance their effectiveness and provide maximum benefits. So, make it a habit to practice Shunya Mudra during the early morning hours to experience its full potential.

Benefits of Shunya Mudra:

Shunya Mudra or Aakash Shaamak Mudra is beneficial in physical and spiritual achievements.

1. Shunya Mudra is an effective remedy for ear-related problems caused by sound pollution and loud music.
2. It balances the space element and helps alleviate these issues.
3. The Mudra stimulates the nerves near the ear, reducing motion sickness and vertigo.
4. It can decrease the space element within the body, relieving tingling sensation or numbness in any body part.
5. Shunya Mudra assists in treating hypothyroidism by maintaining hormonal balance.
6. By reducing the space element, it helps alleviate symptoms of hypothyroidism.
7. Practicing Shunya Mudra improves the performance of the Atrium and relieves various heart ailments.
8. It targets the acupressure point near the base of the thumb, where blood enters the heart.

Shunya Mudra is a hand gesture that benefits individuals with Vata as their dominant dosha, as per Ayurvedic medicine. This simple hand gesture offers multiple advantages, especially during times of stress and pressure. The beauty of Shunya Mudra is that it can be practiced anytime, without any time restrictions. So, incorporate Shunya Mudra into your routine and enjoy the associated benefits. Feel free to share your feedback on the helpfulness of this article.