Benefits of Linga Mudra and How to Do it By Dr. Ankit Sankhe
By Dr. Ankit Sankhe +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ankit Sankhe
Last updated: Jan 31, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Ankit Sankhe +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ankit Sankhe
Last updated: Jan 31, 2024Table of Contents
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.
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
Linga mudra can be done in the following way:
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, MD
Some of the exciting facts of linga mudra to make your read enjoyable are:
Some of the potential benefits of linga mudra are as follows:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Also Read: What Deficiency Causes Cold Hands And Feet: A Scientific Investigation
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.
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
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.
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.
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.3-8
First, be in a comfortable position. You can perform linga 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 figure of the right hand encircles it. Continue with normal exhalation and inhalation while in this posture.3
Linga mudra can be practiced by people of any age group.
Practising linga mudra may increase the metabolic rate, reduce blood sugar levels, and help in the case of diabetes. However, you must check your blood glucose level regularly and consult your doctor in case of high blood sugar level.7
Linga mudra may help to manage stress and relieve depression by controlling the Kapha energy and balancing the fire element. However, you must consult your doctor if your mental health is hampered.3,8
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