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

Introduction

In yoga, ‘mudras’ are believed to be the gateway to the storehouse of magnetic energy. A ‘mudra’ is a hand gesture or posture that has a specific pattern of fingers. As per Ayurveda, the human body is made of five elements, namely earth, water, fire, space, and wind. Likewise, the five fingers of our hands are known to represent these five elements: the thumb represents fire, the forefinger represents wind, the middle finger symbolizes space, the ring finger symbolizes the Earth, and the little finger represents water. During the practice of mudras, when we apply pressure to the tips of the fingers, it results in the activation of certain regions in the brain and offers numerous health benefits. In this article, we will explore the health benefits of one such mudra, Rudra Mudra^1,2.

What is Rudra Mudra?

Rudra mudra belongs to the ‘hasta’ or the hand ‘mudra’ category and is believed to have a powerful healing effect. The name rudra mudra comes from the Sanskrit word ‘rudra’, which is another name for Lord Shiva, and ‘mudra’ means a seal lock or hand gesture. It is a mudra dedicated to Lord Shiva and involves the thumb, index, and ring fingers that symbolize fire, air, and earth elements of the body³.

Note: It is best to practice any mudra with a relaxed mind, closed eyes, and a normal breathing pattern. 

How to Do It?

Let us learn how to do the Rudra mudra³:

• First, sit in either padmasana (sit on crossed legs) or in vajrasana (sit on your knees) with your head and back straight. 
• Place your palms facing upwards on your knees. 
• Next, join the tip of the index finger, ring finger, and thumb, while the middle finger and the little finger will be straight and extended. 
• Close your eyes, breathe normally, and put a slight pressure on the thumb, index, and ring finger. 
• This hand gesture described above is called ‘rudra mudra’. 

If you’re seeking to enhance your concentration, I would suggest considering the practice of Rudra Mudra. This mudra is believed to be potentially beneficial in improving focus and concentration⁶.

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

Benefits of Rudra Mudra

Keeping the origin and history in mind, let us now discuss the benefits of Rudra Mudra. 

1. Benefit of rudra mudra in hypertension 

A sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diets may increase the risk of hypertension. Literature studies have shown that eating a healthy diet, exercising, and doing yoga may help in managing blood pressure along with proper treatment. Nagarajan et al. conducted a study³ in 2017 that brought to light that the practice of rudra mudra, along with other mudras, helped in reducing blood pressure. Thus, the practice of rudra mudra may positively impact hypertension, but the practice of this mudra should not be considered an alternative to modern medicine. So, consult your doctor for proper treatment of hypertension and do not rely on this mudra alone. Additionally, one should practice rudra mudra under the supervision of a qualified trainer³.

2. Benefit of Rudra Mudra on obesity 

Obesity, which has now become a lifestyle disorder, is characterized by excessive fat accumulation and an excessive increase in body weight. Literature studies state that the practice of asanas, mudras, and pranayamas may have a positive impact on health. A study³ conducted by Nagarajan et al. in 2017 explained that the practice of rudra mudra, along with other mudras, may be effective in reducing body weight and managing obesity. Additionally, the practice of this mudra may improve the metabolism of food and digestion by stimulating the manipura chakra. However, you should not consider the practice of this mudra as an alternative to modern medicine. You should consult your doctor for proper management of obesity³.

3. Benefit of Rudra Mudra on depression 

Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by a feeling of sadness and loss of interest, which can affect daily activities. Literature studies show that the practice of asanas, pranayamas, and mudras may positively impact depression. Umesh Yadav, a Yogacharya at Jawaharlal Nehru University in 2021, stated⁸ that Rudra Mudra may help reduce stress and anxiety; this indicates that Rudra Mudra may have the potential to manage depression; however, you should not rely on this mudra alone and consult your doctor for proper treatment. Additionally, the practice of this mudra should be carried out under the guidance of a qualified trainer⁴.

4. Benefit of Rudra Mudra on type-II diabetes 

Type II diabetes is characterized by increased blood glucose levels due to a deficiency or resistance to the insulin hormone, which is known to regulate blood glucose. Raveendran et al., in 2018, conducted a study⁴ that stated that the practice of hasta mudras may help reduce blood glucose levels and help manage type-II diabetes. Thus, the practice of rudra mudra may have the potential to show similar effects, but the practice of this mudra should not be considered an alternative to modern medicine. So, consult your doctor for proper treatment of Type-II diabetes and do not rely on this mudra alone. Additionally, one should practice rudra mudra under the supervision of a qualified trainer⁵. 

5. Benefit of Rudra Mudra on neck and back pain 

Faulty postures and being inactive for long periods have increased the frequency of neck and back pain episodes. Literature studies support the practice of yoga asanas, pranayamas, and mudras, which may help in alleviating neck and back pain. Nagarajan et al. conducted a study³ in 2017 that stated that the practice of Rudra mudra may help manage neck and back pain, but the practice of this mudra should not be considered an alternative to modern medicine. You should consult your doctor for proper treatment of chronic neck and back pain. Further, it is advised to practice Rudra mudra under the guidance of a qualified trainer³.

6. Other benefits of Rudra Mudra

• Rudra mudra may help improve blood circulation³.
• The practice of the rudra mudra may help improve breathing³. 
• Rudra mudra may help in improving dizziness⁴.

Note- The benefits of rudra mudra are studied in a limited human population. Still, more research is needed to claim the positive effects of rudra mudra. 

Rudra Mudra is a hand gesture that I often recommended for enhancing eyesight. Practising this mudra might have a positive impact on vision and may help improve eyesight over time when done consistently⁶.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Although the practice of yoga asanas, pranayamas, and mudras may help in the development of the mind and body, you should not consider them as an alternative to modern medicine. It is advised not to rely on mudras alone to treat any condition. Kindly consult a qualified doctor for proper treatment. Additionally, any mudra practice should be done under the supervision of a qualified trainer. 

From my understanding, I have come to learn that practising Rudra Mudra might be beneficial in reducing cholesterol levels. It’s worth trying as a natural approach to boost your cardiovascular health⁷.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Risks of Rudra Mudra

As mudras are practised along with yogasanas, the cautions that need to be taken during the practice of asanas should also be kept in consideration when performing mudras. Cautions need to be taken in the mentioned scenarios when performing rudra mudra:

• In pregnant and lactating women, children, and older adults, there is limited data available regarding the safety of this mudra in these particular groups. 
• After heavy meals 
• While wearing spectacles and heavy jewellery  
• On uneven surfaces 

As any mudra is practised along with yogasanas, the contraindications of yoga asanas will also apply to the practice of mudras. The following are the contraindications of rudra mudra:

• In case of surgeries and fractures 
• In a state of exhaustion or illness 
• In extreme weather conditions, such as a hot or too cold climate 
• If feeling dizzy or uneasy 

Also Read: Benefits of Bhujangasana and How to Do It By Dr. Ankit Sankhe

Conclusion

Rudra mudra belongs to the hasta or the hand mudra category and is believed to have a powerful healing effect. The name Rudra Mudra comes from the Sanskrit word ‘rudra’, which is another name for Lord Shiva, and mudra means a seal lock or hand gesture. The practice of this mudra may help in exerting a positive impact on depression, hypertension, obesity, and back and neck pain. 

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)

References

1. Kumar KS, Srinivasan TM, Ilavarasu J, Mondal B, Nagendra HR. Classification of electrophotonic images of yogic practice of mudra through neural networks. International Journal of Yoga. 2018 May; 11(2):152. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5934951/ 
2. Sunitha S, CP S. Mudra therapy and its classification. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research (IJHSR). 2021; 11(1):118-26. Available at: https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR_Vol.11_Issue.1_Jan2021/IJHSR16.pdf 
3. Nagarajan M, Mayuranathan M, Jayanthi S. A deep survey on sole and essence of hand mudra (s). Int J Creat Res Thoughts. 2017 Oct; 5:378-83. Available at: https://www.ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT1704050.pdf 
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 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6145966/ 
5. AYUSH Ministry, Government of India. Yoga Do’s & Don’ts by AYUSH Ministry [Internet].Available from: https://www.scribd.com/document/725756281/Yoga-do-dont-by-ayush-ministry
6. Wile N. Teaching and Practicing Mudras and Mantras. [place unknown]: Yoga Education Institute; 2015. Available from: https://yogaeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/mudras-mantra.pdf
7. Priyadarshi S. Never Visit a Doctor: How to Stay Fit and Healthy Forever. Chennai: Notion Press; 2020. Availafrom from : https://books.google.co.in/books?id=gbPvDwAAQBAJ&pg=RA1-PA16&lpg=RA1-PA16&dq=rudra+mudra+benefits.gov&source#v=onepage&q&f=false
8. Sankhe A. Benefits of Rudra Mudra and How to Do It [Internet]. FirstPlus Home Healthcare; 2023 Dec 17 [cited 2025 Sep 15]. Available from: https://firstplushomehealthcare.com/benefits-of-rudra-mudra-and-how-to-do-it-by-dr-ankit-sankhe-2/#:~:text=Depression%20is%20a%20mood%20disorder,your%20doctor%20for%20proper%20treatment.

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