Demystifying Mudras

Mudras can be done with your hands (hasta mudras), head (mana mudra) or the whole body (kaya mudra). They are usually performed before or after the class to aid the process of centering, deepening awareness and concentration.

They can affect the mind, mood, states of consciousness, the flow of prana (energy) and  the nervous system directly influencing the subtle energy within the body. They are often used with visualization and affirmations.

Anjali Mudra

 

Place both hand together in front of the heart centre.

 

This supports  inner collection and creates harmony, balance, repose, silence and peace.

 

It also harmonizes the coordination of both brain hemispheres, calms the thoughts and creates clarity as a result.. With this gesture you can also express reverence or gratitude.

Bibliography: Mudras: Yoga in your hands (Gertrud  Hirschi)

 

Chakras - Spinning Wheels of Pure Energy

Chakras are the main centres of energy located in the subtle body and are related to different states of awareness and human evolution. The word chakra means ‘a circling motion or wheel’. 

 

 

 There are several chakras distributed alongside the body but the major seven are:

 

Name	Place	Quality
Mooladhara	Base of the spine	Sense of smell, earth element, basic needs, excretory and reproductive organs
Svadhisthana	Sacral plexus	Sense of taste, water element,  urinary and reproductive organs and glands
Manipura	Solar plexus	Sight, element of fire, digestion and assimilation
Anahata	Heart region	Sense of touch, air  element, hands, emotions
Vishuddhi	Cervical plexus and thyroid gland	Ears and sense of audition, ether element, throat and speech, purity of body and mind
Ajna	Between eyebrows	Mental faculties, third eye, higher intelligence
Sahasrara	Crown of head	Highest experience of human evolution

Side Bends & Twists

Side bends and twists are movements that are not part of our routine so they are initially hard to practice. They lengthen the torso, squeeze abdominal organs, lengthen, twist and create space in the spine. The wringing action helps flush stale energy from areas of the body where toxins accumulate energising the whole system. These postures also develop stamina as they are supported by strong legs and well-grounded feet.

 

Benefits

• Strengthens and stretches the legs, hips , groins, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest and spine
• Opens the chest to improve breathing , asthma
• Relieves mild back pain
• Stimulates the abdominal organs, improving digestion, constipation
• Improves sense of balance
• Stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles