Jnana Mudra

“Jnana” in Sanskrit means “ higher knowledge” or “wisdom”. This mudra is known as knowledge mudra because of the increase in knowledge. Jnana Mudra is the hand position during performing yoga and meditation. It is one of the essential mudras that promote physical and mental health.

In traditional Ayurveda, it is known as vayuvardhak which boosts the air element (Vaayu) thus stimulating the brain and empowering the mind. Moreover, in Ayurveda, Jnana mudra stands for Vata dosha which helps to maintain cellular transport, electrolyte balance, and eliminates the waste products from the body.

Jnana mudra is a combination of fire and air elements. The air element implies movement in the body and the mind. When the tip of the index finger is joined with the tip of the thumb, the air element gets stabilized providing steadiness to the mind.

Additionally, the acupressure point for the endocrine glands pituitary and pineal is situated on the tip of the thumb finger. The pituitary gland controls air and space in the body and brain, skin, willpower, mood, reproductive organs, vision, and growth. Whereas pineal glands control the development and healthy functioning of the other glands. Joining index and thumb fingers balances their secretion hence enhancing wisdom and willpower.

Practicing of Jnana Mudra provides the following benefits;

Stimulates the brain - Enhances knowledge - Stimulates the root chakra, which eases anxiety and depression - Helps to sharpen memory power - Empowers the nervous system - Stimulates the endocrine glands pituitary and pineal - Helps in treating diseases such as Hypothyroidism, Hypoparathyroidism, Hypoadrenalism, Hypopituitarism, and other similar ailments - Provides metabolic changes that increase blood flow to the brain - Enhances concentration - Soothes irritability and harsh behaviour

-Increases commitment to work and selfless devotion to duty - Prevents insomnia - Prevents drowsiness.

Precaution;

Jnana mudra should be practiced in empty stomach - Wear a comfortable dress while performing this mudra - While performing Jnana mudra, the back should be straight and head should be up high - The person having an excess Vata dosha should perform this mudra in moderation.

Performing Jnana Mudra;

Sit in Lotus Pose (Padmasana) or Cross-Legged Pose (Sukhasana). You can also perform jnana mudra while standing in a Mountain Pose - Make sure your back and head are straight coming in a line - Gently keep both of your hands on the thighs; palms should be facing upwards - Bring the tips of your index finger and thumb together and slowly form a circle around each other - Apply gentle pressure between index and thumb finger and make sure other fingers are relaxed and stretched out straight - Feel the energy from the beating pulse.

Practice Jnana mudra every day for 30 to 45 minutes in a single sitting or three times a day for 10 to 15 minutes each.