Yoga of elements - where are they in your body and how to keep them in balance
5 elements/Mahabhutas that according to Ayurveda we consist of are: Water (jala), earth (pritvi), space (aakash), air (vayu) and fire (agni).
Science behind mudras:
The human body is made up of five elements, and each finger represents one of the five elements:
• Thumb (fire): The thumb is the symbol of divine energy, energy that flows through our bodies unconditioned by our subconscious patterning or karmic complexities. The thumb is the symbol of will power, the power that can be drawn upon by our willing (not willfulness) consciousness.
• Index finger (air): The index finger is known as the Jupiter finger and is the symbol of our ego personality. It symbolizes energies controlled by subconscious mind patternings, and these energies produce expansion.
• Middle finger (ether/sky): The middle finger, symbolizing the Saturn force, is the most karmic or the most conditioned energies. This finger is utilized only in those mudras that require heavy, stabilizing forces.
• Ring finger (earth): The ring finger symbolizes the Sun’s energies. These energies relate to the strength of an individual.
• Little finger (water): The little finger is known as the Mercury finger. It emanates energies that are important in the unfolding of the intellect and of business. When combined in different ways, forming different mudras, they balance the ratio and proportion of that element in the body.
When pressed at the tip, the element is increased. When pressed under thumb, the element is neutralized. When pressed at the base of the finger, the element is decreased.
Science behind mudras:
The human body is made up of five elements, and each finger represents one of the five elements:
• Thumb (fire): The thumb is the symbol of divine energy, energy that flows through our bodies unconditioned by our subconscious patterning or karmic complexities. The thumb is the symbol of will power, the power that can be drawn upon by our willing (not willfulness) consciousness.
• Index finger (air): The index finger is known as the Jupiter finger and is the symbol of our ego personality. It symbolizes energies controlled by subconscious mind patternings, and these energies produce expansion.
• Middle finger (ether/sky): The middle finger, symbolizing the Saturn force, is the most karmic or the most conditioned energies. This finger is utilized only in those mudras that require heavy, stabilizing forces.
• Ring finger (earth): The ring finger symbolizes the Sun’s energies. These energies relate to the strength of an individual.
• Little finger (water): The little finger is known as the Mercury finger. It emanates energies that are important in the unfolding of the intellect and of business. When combined in different ways, forming different mudras, they balance the ratio and proportion of that element in the body.
When pressed at the tip, the element is increased. When pressed under thumb, the element is neutralized. When pressed at the base of the finger, the element is decreased.
Water element
Water (jala or apas in sanskrit) - associated with Svadhistana chakra (sacral) - area where life is generated - and small finger - flexibility in movement
and decisions. Within our bodies, the Water element is experienced as the vast collection of fluids (blood, mucus, lymphatic fluid, bile, semen, etc) that is vital to our life and creativity. Our sense of taste is associated with Water. Within our minds Apas brings qualities of sensitivity, receptivity and creativity. Spiritually, our Water experiences will relate to pranamaya kosha, or the vital energetic body.
Varun mudra
Varun is a name for the water god
How and when: You may perform this mudra at any time of the day by joining the little fingertip with the tip of the thumb, keeping the rest of the fingers straight.
Caution: Do not press the tip of the little finger near the nail as it causes dehydration rather than hydrating the system.
Benefits:
• Balances the water element in the body.
• Since it moisturizes the body, it is also a thirst-quenching mudra, which activates the salivary glands to secrete saliva.
• Relieves dehydration and stomach infection
• Relieves kidney malfunctioning and promotes urination
• Activates the circulation of fluids in the body
• Excellent for skin disorders such as wrinkles, skin infections and dryness
• Purifies the blood and heals many blood disorders
• Brings luster and glow to the body, especially the face
• Compensates for the shortage of water in the body
• Releases constipation
Asanas: Cat/cow, all hip openers, deep twists from the core like parivritta trikonasana (reversed triangle), Surya namaskar (Sun sautations) balances all elements
and decisions. Within our bodies, the Water element is experienced as the vast collection of fluids (blood, mucus, lymphatic fluid, bile, semen, etc) that is vital to our life and creativity. Our sense of taste is associated with Water. Within our minds Apas brings qualities of sensitivity, receptivity and creativity. Spiritually, our Water experiences will relate to pranamaya kosha, or the vital energetic body.
Varun mudra
Varun is a name for the water god
How and when: You may perform this mudra at any time of the day by joining the little fingertip with the tip of the thumb, keeping the rest of the fingers straight.
Caution: Do not press the tip of the little finger near the nail as it causes dehydration rather than hydrating the system.
Benefits:
• Balances the water element in the body.
• Since it moisturizes the body, it is also a thirst-quenching mudra, which activates the salivary glands to secrete saliva.
• Relieves dehydration and stomach infection
• Relieves kidney malfunctioning and promotes urination
• Activates the circulation of fluids in the body
• Excellent for skin disorders such as wrinkles, skin infections and dryness
• Purifies the blood and heals many blood disorders
• Brings luster and glow to the body, especially the face
• Compensates for the shortage of water in the body
• Releases constipation
Asanas: Cat/cow, all hip openers, deep twists from the core like parivritta trikonasana (reversed triangle), Surya namaskar (Sun sautations) balances all elements
Earth element
Earth - our base, feeling grounded and secure, knowing what we want. The particles of energy in Earth are tightly packed and vibrate at a low
frequency, thus we experience earth as dense, solid and heavy. Within our own bodies, the Earth element is experienced as the solid cellular
structures of our bones and organs.
Our sense of smell is associated with Earth. Within our minds, Prithivi brings qualities of steadfast commitment, patience and humility. Spiritually, our Earth experiences will relate to annamaya kosha, or the physical body. The chakra associated with Earth is the Root Chakra (Mooladhara).
Prithivi mudra (earth element)
How and when: Touch the tip of the thumb and the tip of the ring finger together. This mudra should be done when you feel dull or are lacking energy, enthusiasm and motivation in life. Perform this mudra with both hands by sitting in sukhasan (cross-legged) or padmasana (lotus position), keeping the backs of the hands on the knee and the elbows straight.
Benefits:
• Helps boost the blood circulation
• Increases tolerance and patience
• Helps in meditation
• Since this mudra is an association of the earth element with the powerful Sun, it brings solidity to the body.
• Assists in weight gain if the body is weak or too lean
• Helps restore the balance and equilibrium of the body
• Wards off weakness, fatigue and dullness and increases prana in the body
• Increases and brightens the aura
• Activates the thinking power and helps to broaden the orthodox/conservative thinking pattern
• Compensates for a lack of rajasic guna (passion)
Asanas: seated postures: badhakonasana, padmasana (lotus); practicing Mula Bandha, Surya namaskar (Sun sautations) balances all elements
frequency, thus we experience earth as dense, solid and heavy. Within our own bodies, the Earth element is experienced as the solid cellular
structures of our bones and organs.
Our sense of smell is associated with Earth. Within our minds, Prithivi brings qualities of steadfast commitment, patience and humility. Spiritually, our Earth experiences will relate to annamaya kosha, or the physical body. The chakra associated with Earth is the Root Chakra (Mooladhara).
Prithivi mudra (earth element)
How and when: Touch the tip of the thumb and the tip of the ring finger together. This mudra should be done when you feel dull or are lacking energy, enthusiasm and motivation in life. Perform this mudra with both hands by sitting in sukhasan (cross-legged) or padmasana (lotus position), keeping the backs of the hands on the knee and the elbows straight.
Benefits:
• Helps boost the blood circulation
• Increases tolerance and patience
• Helps in meditation
• Since this mudra is an association of the earth element with the powerful Sun, it brings solidity to the body.
• Assists in weight gain if the body is weak or too lean
• Helps restore the balance and equilibrium of the body
• Wards off weakness, fatigue and dullness and increases prana in the body
• Increases and brightens the aura
• Activates the thinking power and helps to broaden the orthodox/conservative thinking pattern
• Compensates for a lack of rajasic guna (passion)
Asanas: seated postures: badhakonasana, padmasana (lotus); practicing Mula Bandha, Surya namaskar (Sun sautations) balances all elements
Fire Element
Fire is the hot, sharp, transformative force of the physical world. Due to the vibration of the energy particles of fire, we perceive this element as light.
Fire is the catalyst behind any change, growth or evolution. Within our bodies, the Fire element is experienced as the governor of digestion, appetite,
thirst and sleep. Our sense of sight is associated with Fire.
Within our minds Agni brings qualities of initiative, drive, passion and confidence. Spiritually, our Fire experiences will relate to mannomaya kosha, or
the mental body. The chakra associated with Fire is the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura).
Agni mudra (fire element)
How and when: Fold the ring finger to the base of thumb and press it with the thumb at the second phalange. Practice this mudra on an empty stomach and in a sitting position only.
Caution: Never perform this mudra on a full stomach. Discontinue the mudra in case of acidity, heartburn or indigestion.
Benefits:
• Helps dissolve extra body fat by balancing the metabolic rate; prevents and controls obesity
• Burns excess phlegm
• Compensates for sluggish digestion
• Helps to increase body strength
• Reduces tension
• Lowers cholesterol levels
• Provides heat and energy to the body (excellent to do in winter)
• Decreases earth element in the body
Asanas: Virabhadrasanas (Warriors 1,2,3), twists, utkatasana (chair pose), Surya namaskar (Sun sautations) balances all elements
Fire is the catalyst behind any change, growth or evolution. Within our bodies, the Fire element is experienced as the governor of digestion, appetite,
thirst and sleep. Our sense of sight is associated with Fire.
Within our minds Agni brings qualities of initiative, drive, passion and confidence. Spiritually, our Fire experiences will relate to mannomaya kosha, or
the mental body. The chakra associated with Fire is the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura).
Agni mudra (fire element)
How and when: Fold the ring finger to the base of thumb and press it with the thumb at the second phalange. Practice this mudra on an empty stomach and in a sitting position only.
Caution: Never perform this mudra on a full stomach. Discontinue the mudra in case of acidity, heartburn or indigestion.
Benefits:
• Helps dissolve extra body fat by balancing the metabolic rate; prevents and controls obesity
• Burns excess phlegm
• Compensates for sluggish digestion
• Helps to increase body strength
• Reduces tension
• Lowers cholesterol levels
• Provides heat and energy to the body (excellent to do in winter)
• Decreases earth element in the body
Asanas: Virabhadrasanas (Warriors 1,2,3), twists, utkatasana (chair pose), Surya namaskar (Sun sautations) balances all elements
Air Element
Air is the dry, changeable, kinetic energy of the universe. Characteristically, air moves in contractive and expansive patterns and is incredibly dynamic.
Within our bodies, the Air element is experienced as the pulsation of the breath as well as muscular expansion and contraction.
Our sense of touch is associated with Air. Within our minds Vayu brings qualities of intellectual dexterity, perspective and mental flexibility.
Spiritually, our Air experiences will relate to vijnanamaya kosha, or the intuitive body. The chakra associated with Air is the Heart Chakra (Anahata).
Vaayu mudra (air element)
How and when: To perform the mudra, fold the index finger to the base of the thumb, and press the back of second phalange with the thumb. You can perform it any time of the day.
Caution: This mudra works in peaks and valleys (it decreases, then increases the air element). Therefore, once you achieve the desired benefit, stop the practice.
Benefits:
• Releases excess wind from the stomach and other parts of the body, releasing aches and pains and acting as first aid
• Helps with rheumatic pains, gout, paralysis, Parkinson’s disease, chest pains, any pain associated with excess wind in the body or any other imbalance of the air element
Pranayama: - pranayamas such as Nadi Shodhana balance the amount of Air needed in the body, connects Annamaya and Pranamaya koshas via breath
Asanas: all movements synched with breath; all chest openers such as Ustrasana (camel), Setu Bandhu Sarvangasana (bridge) , Surya namaskar (Sun sautations) balances all elements
Within our bodies, the Air element is experienced as the pulsation of the breath as well as muscular expansion and contraction.
Our sense of touch is associated with Air. Within our minds Vayu brings qualities of intellectual dexterity, perspective and mental flexibility.
Spiritually, our Air experiences will relate to vijnanamaya kosha, or the intuitive body. The chakra associated with Air is the Heart Chakra (Anahata).
Vaayu mudra (air element)
How and when: To perform the mudra, fold the index finger to the base of the thumb, and press the back of second phalange with the thumb. You can perform it any time of the day.
Caution: This mudra works in peaks and valleys (it decreases, then increases the air element). Therefore, once you achieve the desired benefit, stop the practice.
Benefits:
• Releases excess wind from the stomach and other parts of the body, releasing aches and pains and acting as first aid
• Helps with rheumatic pains, gout, paralysis, Parkinson’s disease, chest pains, any pain associated with excess wind in the body or any other imbalance of the air element
Pranayama: - pranayamas such as Nadi Shodhana balance the amount of Air needed in the body, connects Annamaya and Pranamaya koshas via breath
Asanas: all movements synched with breath; all chest openers such as Ustrasana (camel), Setu Bandhu Sarvangasana (bridge) , Surya namaskar (Sun sautations) balances all elements
Space element
Ether is the vast open spaciousness within which all of the matter of the universe becomes existent.
Ether is formless and limitless. Within our bodies, the Ether element is experienced as the space between the internal organs and structures of the
skeleton.
Our sense of hearing is associated with Ether. Within our minds, Ether is thought to govern our emotions and passions. Spiritually, our Ether experiences will relate to anadamaya kosha, or the bliss body. The chakra associated with Ether is the Throat Chakra (Visshuda).
Aakash mudra (ether element)
How and when: Join the tip of the middle finger with the tip of the thumb, keeping the rest of the three fingers straight. Try to hold this mudra for 45 minutes, though you may start with a shorter time period, depending on convenience and capacity.
Benefits:
• This mudra is a combination of the ether element with the sun and pertains to any ailment involving sound. It is excellent for increasing the sensitivity to hear sounds.
• Activates the calcium and phosphorus absorption from the diet and also their formation, which makes it a very good mudra for those having weakness of bone, such as osteoporosis
• Due to its inherent quality to release tension, it keeps the mind calm and serene and can be used during meditation.
• Successful in releasing lockjaw experienced through yawning, mental tension or over-exertion
• Regular practice calms and clarifies the thought process.
Asanas: all, connect with breath and expand from inner body outward
Ether is formless and limitless. Within our bodies, the Ether element is experienced as the space between the internal organs and structures of the
skeleton.
Our sense of hearing is associated with Ether. Within our minds, Ether is thought to govern our emotions and passions. Spiritually, our Ether experiences will relate to anadamaya kosha, or the bliss body. The chakra associated with Ether is the Throat Chakra (Visshuda).
Aakash mudra (ether element)
How and when: Join the tip of the middle finger with the tip of the thumb, keeping the rest of the three fingers straight. Try to hold this mudra for 45 minutes, though you may start with a shorter time period, depending on convenience and capacity.
Benefits:
• This mudra is a combination of the ether element with the sun and pertains to any ailment involving sound. It is excellent for increasing the sensitivity to hear sounds.
• Activates the calcium and phosphorus absorption from the diet and also their formation, which makes it a very good mudra for those having weakness of bone, such as osteoporosis
• Due to its inherent quality to release tension, it keeps the mind calm and serene and can be used during meditation.
• Successful in releasing lockjaw experienced through yawning, mental tension or over-exertion
• Regular practice calms and clarifies the thought process.
Asanas: all, connect with breath and expand from inner body outward
References: Amazing mudra information and pictures from this yoga website: http://www.yogachicago.com/mar09/mudras.shtml
Elements description: http://kellyfisheryoga.com/yoga-and-the-elements/
Elements description: http://kellyfisheryoga.com/yoga-and-the-elements/