Benefits of Gyan Mudra and How to Do it By Dr. Ankit Sankhe
By Dr. Ankit Sankhe +2 more
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By Dr. Ankit Sankhe +2 more
Table of Contents
When one thinks about Yoga, what comes to mind immediately is meditation (dhyan) and exercises (asanas). While yoga surely includes that, what is also present in Yoga is mudras. Mudras are hand postures which means using the fingers to make specific postures of the hand.
The science of Ayurveda believes that the human body is comprised of five natural elements (air, fire, space, earth and water) and these five elements are represented by our five fingers. It is said that if all five elements are balanced, then the body is in a state of well-being. Any imbalance in any one of these elements may lead to illness.
Our fingers are believed to be like live wires that conduct electric current through them. When we do a mudra, one or more fingers touch the thumb and an electric circuit is completed. Through this completed electric circuit, the life energy flows and helps bring about balance in the elements.1,2
Mudras are said to have many potential benefits for the holistic development of a person. One such mudra is the Gyan mudra.
The word mudra is formed by joining two Sanskrit words ‘mud’ meaning joy or happiness and ‘ra’ which means to generate or produce. It signifies that the practice of mudra produces happiness or joy. The various hand and finger movements done while practicing any mudra are believed to build essential links in the nervous system and invigorate certain energy pathways in the body.
Gyan mudra (also spelled Jnana mudra) is a powerful mudra of learning and wisdom. It has been practiced by yoga gurus striving for peace and spiritual development since ancient times. The word Jnana or Gyan means knowledge or wisdom. Gyan mudra is hence the mudra for intuitive knowledge. It is also known as the psychic gesture of consciousness.1-5
The mudras should be practiced with proper technique to obtain maximum health benefits. The steps to do Gyan mudra are as follows:
Here are some interesting facts about Gyan Mudra that make for an interesting read:
In light of what I’ve perceived apart from enhancing focus, Gyan Mudra is believed to boost mental power. It is thought to possibly strengthen the mind and enhance cognitive abilities, making it a beneficial practice for improving overall mental prowess.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Gyan mudra is said to be a Yoga mudra with various benefits that may be helpful in maintaining good health and enhancing your spiritual level. Some of the potential benefits of Gyan mudra are:
Everyone desires a sharp mind and a great memory. Gyan mudra may improve the blood flow to the brain by bringing about metabolic changes in the body, thus increasing the nutrient flow to the brain. This may help in increasing memory and concentration. Improvement in brain activity especially memory may be seen if this mudra is practiced consistently. It may also help in maintaining the overall mental well-being of an individual.2,4,6
Gyan mudra may be beneficial to stabilize the restlessness of the mind. It may help improve the focus of a fidgety mind and help one to attain the Gyan or Jnana state, that is the state of selective wisdom. This mudra may be used in situations where one needs to focus such as for studying or contemplation.8 It may be used for meditation as it helps calm a restless mind.7
Undue anxiety can cause problems in our daily life. It may also affect the way we respond to situations. People having anxiety issues may benefit from performing Gyan mudra. A study has shown that regularly practicing Gyan mudra may help reduce anxiety levels and help the person to achieve a steady mind with rational thinking. It may also help the person provide appropriate reactions to dangerous or threatening situations which are generally considered to be anxiety-inducing.5 It may help heal the internal organs by alleviating symptoms of stress, tension, depression, and sleeplessness.2,4
Gyan mudra may be beneficial in stimulating certain endocrine glands. It is believed that the tip of the thumb has centers corresponding to the pituitary and other glands. The pituitary gland is an important endocrine gland that secretes vital hormones. It may improve blood circulation to the pituitary gland.4 When one does the Gyan mudra, the thumb tip is pressed lightly by the tip of the forefinger. This stimulates the pituitary and endocrine glands to work actively.8
While Yoga mudras may be beneficial to a person in many ways, it must not be used as an alternative to conventional modern medicine. One must not rely on it to alone to treat any health condition. If you are facing any health issues, always consult a qualified medical doctor who can examine you and advise appropriate treatment. Besides, to avoid injuries, it is necessary to learn and practice Yoga under the guidance of a trained and qualified yoga teacher.
Based on what I have noticed, Gyan Mudra might have several benefits. It may help improve breathing problems and enhance blood circulation, allowing the lungs to receive more oxygen.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
One must stop doing this mudra if any pain or stress is felt while doing it.2 Apart from this particular risk, there are no scientific studies available to show any other risks associated with practicing Gyan mudra. Yet, it is advised to practice this mudra under the guidance of a trained and qualified Yoga expert.
Gyan mudra or Jnana mudra is a Yoga mudra that has been practised since ancient times. It is a hand posture formed by joining the tips of the index finger and thumb. It is mudra of intuitive wisdom and knowledge. It has many benefits for the nervous system and endocrine systems. It may also help in spiritual development. One must learn this mudra from a Yoga expert and practice it consistently using the correct techniques, so as to avoid injuries and gain optimum benefits.
The name Gyan mudra is derived from the Sanskrit word Jnana or Gyan meaning knowledge or wisdom. Gyan mudra is hence also known as the mudra for intuitive knowledge. Also known as the psychic gesture of consciousness, it has several health benefits for the nervous and endocrine system.2,4,5,8
Gyan mudra steps are: Sit in a comfortable position on the mat/ground. You may sit in Padmasana or Vajrasana. Keep your hands on your knees with the palms facing upwards. In each of your hands, join the tips of the index finger to the thumb and apply light pressure. Keeping the other three fingers outstretched, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. You may perform Gyan mudra for any duration between 15-30 minutes. For maximum benefit, it is advisable to practice this mudra for 24 minutes.2,4
While Gyan mudra can be done by people of all age groups2, it is advisable to practice this mudra under the guidance of a trained and experienced yoga teacher who can help you perform it without any side effects.
It is not necessary that Gyan mudra be done in sitting position only. It can also be done while walking, standing, studying, reading, praying or while watching television.2
Yes, Gyan mudra may be done even if you are undergoing any treatment for any health condition.2
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