One of the simplest ways to connect with yourself is by performing the ‘chin mudra’. At Yogaasan, we teach you everything you need to know about yoga, and this article brings you one of the best yoga practices to attain more focus and calmness. This is a yoga position that is not merely about some exercises as it plays a vital role in justifying the meaning of the term “Yog”. It means union with the self and this mudra helps you in attaining just that. Let us see how-
What is Chin Mudra?
The word chin is derived from the word “chit” which means consciousness and mudra means seal or a gesture. This is a hand gesture that is practised to attain oneness with consciousness. This is performed using the thumb and the index which withholds the philosophy behind this mudra. Every finger in our palm holds a meaning of its own. The index finger is symbolic of the ego and the thumb of the supreme consciousness, the “parmathama”. Let us now see how it is done-
How to Do Chin Mudra?
This is one of the easiest to practice meditative gestures and here are the steps to do it-
- Place the mat on the floor and sit on it in the staff pose (Dandaasan). Remember to keep your back straight.
- Take a deep breath then place your left leg under the right thigh and right leg under the left thigh. You have to cross your legs at the mid-shin.
- Inhale and fold the index finger of both hands, it should reach out to the tip of your thumbs. This will create a circle shape.
- Now extend the other fingers and rest your palms facing upwards to the sky on the knees.
- Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and bring your focus to the deep breathing.
- Do this for a good 5 minutes and then release your index finger to relax.
Often students get confused between ‘gyaan mudra’ and chin mudra. While both have similar actions, the former is performed with palms facing downwards and the latter is performed with palms facing upwards. Both the gestures have different gains and goals, let us now see the chin mudra benefits:
What are the Benefits of Chin Mudra?
The chin mudra benefits are huge in numbers but here are the most important ones you should be aware about-
- This is a mudra that stimulates the mind, our consciousness. Thus, doing this regularly will increase the blood flow to the brain bringing more focus and concentration.
- Practising this mudra can help you relax more. While there is no evidence of this, the decrease in stress can also help in reducing blood pressure.
- Doing this mudra stimulates the pituitary glands which helps you increase awareness of the inner self and gives you more spiritual focus.
- The best part is that doing this regularly can help you if you have trouble sleeping at night. Performing this mudra calms the nervous system, eliminates distraction, and creates a receptive state of mind thus helping you to sleep better
- It can also help in improving the energy levels and stamina.
If you are wondering about the chin mudra side effects, then let us at Yogaasan tell you that there aren’t many. This is a very safe yoga practice however, there are certain limitations which are discussed below-
Chin Mudra Contraindications
Chin Mudra side effects are not much to account for but here are a few things to keep in mind if you are a practitioner-
- If you have injuries to your palm, fingers, or wrist, then it is advised not to perform this yoga gesture.
- While performing this, remember that the finger placement should be gentle and you must not put too much strain to attain that perfect position.
- Do not forget to keep your spine erect so the blood circulates in the body easily plus feel the restored energy in the body.
Conclusion
At Yogaasan we do not leave you hanging and we are sure now you know everything about this yoga practice. To sum up, chin mudra is the yoga gesture that helps you unify yourself with the supreme truth or consciousness. As the Bhagwadgita suggests, doing this mudra helps you attain the real goal of ”Yog” and meditation, which is to merge your ego with the supreme.
