Mudra
Vayu Mudra
Vāyu Mudrāवायु मुद्रा· VAH-yoo MOO-drahgesture of the air element (vayu)
Vayu Mudra is formed by folding the index finger into the base of the thumb and pressing it gently with the thumb, the other fingers extended. It is traditionally used to balance the air (vayu) element in the body and cultivate a sense of calm and ease.
Step by step
- 1
Sit comfortably
Sit tall with the hands resting on the knees.
- 2
Fold the index finger
Bend the index finger so its tip touches the base of the thumb.
- 3
Press gently with the thumb
Rest the thumb lightly over the folded index finger; keep the other three fingers extended.
- 4
Hold and breathe
Stay for a few minutes with slow breathing, then release.
Benefits
- Traditionally balances the air element
- Associated with calm and ease
- A simple gesture for meditation
- Encourages steady breathing
About this practice
Practised for a few minutes at a time, vayu mudra is traditionally used to settle excess ‘air’ — the restlessness or bloating of an unsettled Vāta — and to encourage a calmer, more grounded state. Keep the pressure of the thumb light and the rest of the hand relaxed.
Related practices
Frequently asked questions
- What is Vayu Mudra for?
- It's traditionally used to balance the air element (vayu) in the body and to cultivate calm and ease. It's a gentle supportive gesture, not a medical treatment.
- How is Vayu Mudra different from Gyan Mudra?
- In Gyan Mudra the thumb and index *tips* touch; in Vayu Mudra the index finger is *folded* into the base of the thumb and pressed. They serve different traditional purposes.
References
- Classical textGheranda Samhita, Chapter 3 (Mudras)— Classical Hatha source on yogic mudras.