Mudra of the Month: Apana Vayu Mudra for the Brain, Pain, and Love...

It's April, the fourth month of the year, and Uranus is bringing about revolutionary changes, transformation, and unconditional Love. Uranus is part of the higher world and has an affect on the brain, our thoughts, and how we perceive our realities. It helps to bring about sudden shifts that can throw us off or completely alter our lives in a revolutionary way. Through empowering change, we are able to learn and embody the power of Love in a deeper and more unconditional way. If not, then there is a death of the old story so that the new story can be written. The mudra we selected for this month addressed the air element that directly affects the brain, the mind, and our thinking patterns. The index finger represents Jupiter and the air element, and in this mudra we are decreasing air in order for the mind to become more still and neutral. The mind perceives pain, and Love is the healer of the brain and the Divine World as a whole. Saturn, Sun, and Mercury are all extended in this hand posture, supporting patience, healing, and inner peace. Whether it be for a headache, dizziness, overactive thoughts, or physical pain, this hand posture addresses our discomforts and helps to gently lead us back to harmony.

Apana energy is a downward and eliminating force of release. Bringing the index finger down to the base of the thumb creates the space to let go. Vayu energy is an actively moving force that is connected to the air element and directly impacts the nervous system. Research has shown that practicing this mudra helps to calm restlessness, quiet the mind, help improve concentration, and support better decision-making. Bowing the mind to the heart, we are able to ground ourselves through stressful situations, let go of our fears and worries, and develop more trust and feelings of security. Since Jupiter is the ruling planet of the index finger, there is a connection to the gut and digestion. This hand posture helps us release stagnation or sluggish digestion, detoxify the organs, and help the organs to eliminate fully and completely. The gut and the mind are directly connected. When there is flow in one area, there is flow in the other. The same is true for blockages. This is why Apana Vayu Mudra can be so cleansing and purifying on many levels.

Energetically, this mudra helps us release what is no longer serving the heart, mind, and soul. When there is a need to surrender to Love, trust the Universe, and develop more stability, then Apana Vayu Mudra can be used to help open the being to a more compassionate, honest, and kind reflection of the deeper values, beliefs, and morals that are guiding the way. By shifting from the inside, everything on the outside shifts as well.

How To Get Into the Mudra:

1. Straighten the spine in a comfortable posture sitting, standing, or laying down.

2. Rub your hands together vigorously.

3. Gently bend the index finger down to the base of the thumb on both hands.

4. Place the thumb over the bent index finger, holding it down flat on both hands.

5. Straighten the middle, ring, and pinky fingers on both hands.

6. Relax your shoulders down and away from your ears, resting the mudra on the knees face up.

7. Smile, breathe, and hold the mudra here for 3 - 11 minutes. Chanting mantra or breathing a 3-Point Breath (See Below) is wonderful to do while holding the mudra.

3-Point Breath:

Inhale for a count of 20, Hold the breath for a count of 20, Exhale for a count of 20. Repeat this breath for 3 - 11 minutes to calm the mind and bring balance to the brain.