We all have become vulnerable to several heart diseases because of our busy, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy food choices. Mudras help improve your overall health in addition to imbibing a healthy lifestyle. Apana Vayu Mudra or Hridaya Mudra (Heart Gesture) is one such hand gesture that directly enhances heart health, so it is a very powerful hasta mudra; this Mudra is also called Mrita Sanjeevani due to its ability to save a life. From reducing heart attack symptoms to other heart-related diseases, the Apana Vayu Mudra helps you deal with them all.
Apana Vayu Mudra is formed by combining Apan Mudra and Vayu Mudra, hence the name. In this article, we have discussed the Apana Vayu Mudra in detail and its benefits. Read on!
Apana Vayu Mudra Posture and How To Do It?
As the name suggests, Apana Vayu Mudra combines Apan Mudra and Vayu Mudra, providing you with both mudras’ benefits efficiently.
- Apana Mudra improves the heart energy and oxygen circulation to the arteries by increasing our body’s fire and earth elements. The ring, middle and thumb fingers are used to perform the Mudra.
- Vayu Mudra keeps you relaxed by essentially reducing pain. The air element is represented through the index finger in this hand gesture.
Here are the simple steps you need to follow to perform Apana Vayu Mudra efficiently:
- Sit down in a meditation posture which can be Sukhasana, Padmasana, Virasana or Vajrasana.
- Keep your hands on the thighs or knees while the palms look upwards.
- Join the tips of the thumb, middle and ring finger while placing the index finger’s tip at the thumb’s base on both hands.
- Make sure your fingers are slightly stretched while leaving out the little finger.
- Take deep breaths while keeping your eyes closed.
- You can enhance your concentration by chanting OM and focusing on your heart chakra.
- Keep your back straight and avoid slouching throughout the meditation process.
What is the Best Time and How Long to Perform Apana Vayu Mudra?
Practising Apana Vayu Mudra in a comfortable, comfortable, and seated meditative posture is essential. Therefore, Brahma Muhurta, typically between 4 to 6 am, is the preferable time to perform this gesture. This time frame will provide fresh oxygen and a calm and serene environment.
You can hold this gesture in one sitting for about 15 minutes. Then, if you are comfortable, you can have it for a longer duration.
Read: Powerful Yoga Mudras and Its Benefits
Benefits of Apana Vayu Mudra or Hridaya Mudra:
By countering the symptoms of heart attack, diabetes, asthma and hypertension, Apana Vayu Mudra can positively bring out a range of physical and mental changes. Here are some of the benefits you can reap by practising Apana Vayu Mudra regularly:
- It helps cleanse the circulatory system, improving the liver’s functioning.
- This Mudra helps relieve gastric discomfort, constipation and acidity.
- The Apana Vayu Mudra directly impacts heart health by redirecting the prana towards the heart. This process will help you manage heart-related issues efficiently.
- This Mudra might help you normalize the heart rate and blood pressure by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
- It prevents the recurrence of heart attacks and keeps blood pressure in control by removing any blockages in the blood veins.
- Practising Apana Vayu Mudra also helps you release pent-up feelings and heaviness in the body.
- It helps with your body’s detoxification process by balancing the fire and space elements in the body.
- It helps balance the three doshas, Vata, Kapha and Pitta.
- This Mudra induces restful sleep by treating the symptoms of insomnia.
- The Apana Vayu Mudra reduces negative feelings like anxiety, irritation and anger, promoting the mental well-being of the practitioner.
- It helps in countering diabetes by improving liver and gall bladder functioning.
Apana Vayu Mudra or Hridaya Mudra is a hand gesture which can be very helpful in dealing with heart-related issues significantly. To reap the benefits of this Mudra, make sure to perform this consistently. Also, don’t forget to let us know if you found the article helpful!
Disclaimer: The content presented in this article is purely educational, informative and not a replacement for expert advice. Consult a yoga professional or an appropriately certified yoga professional before trying anything new.
FAQs:
1. What are the practice guidelines for practising Apana Vayu Mudra?
Ans: The following are the practice guidelines you need to follow to reap the benefits of Apana Vayu Mudra:
- Make sure to practice this hand gesture until all the symptoms of heart issues are relieved.
- For best results, practice this Mudra with both hands.
- Meditation practice is a wonderful addition to doing the Apana Vayu Mudra.
2. Who shouldn’t practice Apana Vayu Mudra?
Ans: Women in their first eight months of pregnancy shouldn’t practice the Apana Vayu Mudra because of the strong downward force this Mudra generates. This Mudra should also be avoided if you suffer from diarrhoea, colitis and cholera.
