Benefits of Linga Mudra and How to Do it By Dr. Ankit Sankhe

Introduction

Yoga originated a millennia ago in India in the pre-Vedic era and is traditionally linked to Hinduism. Figures in yogic poses were seen on the walls of an archaeological site, Mohenjo Daro, a city that belonged to the Indus Valley Civilisation. Important Indian texts like the Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita mention yoga. Nowadays, yoga is often defined as a ‘spiritual marketplace’ or a ‘therapeutic culture.’ Yoga has spread across the globe. A survey conducted by NAMASTA (North American Studio Alliance), Yoga Journal, and The Yoga Alliance shows that in 2004 about 15 million Americans practised yoga.¹ Yoga consists of breathing techniques (pranayama), postures (asanas) and gestures (mudras). Mudras are gestures or positions that may lock and guide the energy flow.² Let us look at some health benefits of one such mudra, linga mudra. 

What is Linga Mudra?

Linga mudra is a hand gesture that increases the temperature in the body by balancing the fire element in the body. It concentrates on generating warmth in the body. Linga mudra is also known as upright or erect mudra. The upright thumb represents the masculine power and the encircled palm represents feminity. It can be practiced by people of any age group. Linga mudra focuses on the Mooladhara chakra or anal wheel. Mooladhara chakra is one of the primary chakras that is considered the foundation of life energy. The interlocking in linga mudra helps the elements of air, earth and space to combine and interact. While you perform this mudra, there is a connection between air and fire. Air always helps to spread the fire.³ 

How to Do it?

Linga mudra can be done in the following way: 

• First, be in a comfortable position. Then, you can perform this mudra in seating or standing posture. 
• Then, put both your hands in front of your body. 
• Clasp your hands together and interlock your fingers. 
• Keep your left thumb pointing upwards while the other fingers encircle it. 
• Put both hands in front of your body and clasp them, so the fingers are interlocked. 
• Make sure that the left thumb points in a vertically upward direction while the thumb and index finger of the right hand encircles it. 
• Continue with normal exhalation and inhalation while in this posture. 
• You can repeat the steps again with right thumb pointing up.³ 

It is important to note that practising linga mudra might generate heat in your body. Therefore, it should be practised only for 15 minutes. After its completion, you should consume water, buttermilk, fruit juices, etc., to compensate for the heat generated.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Do You Know?

Some of the exciting facts of linga mudra to make your read enjoyable are: 

• In Sanskrit, linga means phallus. Linga mudra is in the shape of a phallus, a male genital organ.² 
• The interlocked fingers in linga mudra represent the supreme power that holds the entire universe, and the erected thumb shows the creation. 

Benefits of Linga Mudra

Some of the potential benefits of linga mudra are as follows: 

1. Benefits of linga mudra for sinusitis 

Sinusitis may be triggered by a cold or allergy. Linga mudra may be helpful in case of sinusitis by increasing resistance against and relieving cold. This mudra may further balance the fire element and control Kapha energy to get rid of sinusitis.^3,5 However, more research is yet to be done to check the effect of linga mudra on sinusitis. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if your symptoms of sinusitis get worse. 

2. Benefits of linga mudra to regulate blood pressure 

According to an article published in 2021- ‘BANDHA (Inner Lock)-MUDRA (Hand Gesture): Essences of Optimizing Health,’ performing linga mudra regularly may help to lower blood pressure. This may be due to creating warmth and balancing the fire element in the body.³ However, more studies are yet to be done to check if linga mudra may be beneficial in lowering blood pressure. Therefore, you must consult your doctor in case of abnormal blood pressure. 

3. Benefits of linga mudra for cold, cough and fever 

The finger position of linga mudra may increase resistance against cough, cold and chest infections. In addition, it may further help to loosen the mucous.⁵ Linga mudra may help with the fever due to the warmth created.⁴ Linga mudra may help in case of cold, cough and fever due to its ability to control Kapha energy and balance the fire element in the body. However, more studies are required to check these claims. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you have a high fever or cold and cough for a prolonged period. 

4. Benefits of linga mudra for asthma and bronchitis 

A study by Saravanan et al. in 2019 showed that regular practice of lung-specific mudras like linga mudra might help in the case of asthma.⁶ Another study by Singh et al. in 2018 showed that linga mudra may also help in the case of bronchial disease. This mudra may be beneficial for asthma and bronchitis due to its ability to create warmth in the body by balancing the fire element in the body. In addition, linga mudra may halt the generation of mucous and increase lung capacity, thereby decreasing bronchial contamination.⁴ However, more large-scale studies are yet to be done. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you have asthma attacks or a bronchial infection. 

5. Benefits of linga mudra for diabetes 

A study by Raveendran AV et al. In 2018 showed that practising yoga, including linga mudra, may help in the case of type 2 diabetes. The results suggested that linga mudra may increase metabolism and help normalize blood sugar levels.⁷ However, further studies are required to confirm if linga mudra may benefit those with diabetes. You must check your blood sugar level and consult your doctor in case of abnormal blood sugar levels. 

6. Benefits of linga mudra for weight management 

A study by Raveendran AV et al. In 2018 showed that practising yoga, including linga mudra, may help manage weight. The results suggested that practising linga mudra may help increase the metabolic rate and therefore help in weight loss.⁷ However, more research is yet to be done to confirm this finding. However, you must consult your doctor if you have abnormal weight. 

7. Benefits of linga mudra to manage stress and depression 

A study by Ganesan et al. in 2020 showed that practising yoga, including linga mudra, may help manage stress.⁸ Linga mudra may also be beneficial in case of depression. This may be due to its ability to control the Kapha energy and balance the fire element in the body. However, more studies are required to check if linga mudra can be used to manage stress. You must consult your doctor if your experiencing excessive stress or depression.³ 

Yoga practice may help develop the mind and body; however, it is still not an alternative to modern medicine. Therefore, you must not rely on yoga alone to treat any condition. Instead, please consult a qualified doctor who will be able to assess your situation correctly and advise accordingly. Moreover, it is necessary to practice and learn yoga under the supervision of a trained yoga teacher to avoid any injuries. 

Linga mudra is highly recommended in cases of cold and congestion for 30 minutes two times a day, followed by prana mudra for 10 minutes. However, one should perform this mudra only till the conditions persist.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Risks of Linga Mudra

There were no associated risks or contraindications that have been investigated or reported as yet. However, it is essential to take necessary precautions before performing linga mudra. You must be extra cautious if you have any prevalent diseases. Pregnant and lactating mothers should be careful too. It is best to perform linga mudra under professional guidance. 

Conclusion

Linga mudra is a hand gesture that increases the temperature in the body by balancing the fire element in the body. It concentrates on generating warmth in the body. Linga mudra is also known as upright or erect mudra. Ling mudra may help in cases of sinusitis, bronchitis, diabetes, cold, cough, fever and asthma. It may also help to regulate blood pressure, manage stress and depression. In addition, linga mudra can be used for weight management. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Demeter ME. The commodification of yoga in contemporary US culture. Available from: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/2500/ 
2. Mukhopadhyay DK. Bandha (inner lock)-mudra (hand gesture): Essences of Optimizing Health. International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology. 2021;: 293–308. Available from: https://ijarsct.co.in/Paper2124.pdf 
3. Saravanan PS, Anu S, Priya KA, Vijaybabu K, Paul R. Lung-specific yoga mudras on respiratory function in asthma patients. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2019;9(9):878-83. Available from: https://search.proquest.com/openview/
4. Raveendran AV, Deshpandae A, Joshi SR. Therapeutic role of yoga in type 2 diabetes. Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2018 Sep 1;33(3):307-17. Available from: https://synapse.koreamed.org/articles/1101087 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

10

2