Vishnu Mudra in Yoga – Steps and Benefits

Certain pranayama methods call for respiration by one nostril at one time, with the other nostril gently held closed. Traditionally, one shuts down the nostrils using an extraordinary hand position known as Vishnu Mudra (Symbol of Vishnu). But in yoga, it is much believed to have a great impact on the mind and on a body by helping to clear up the energy channels, in addition to known as Nadis.

Steps:

•       Hold the tips of the right index and middle fingers against the palm. Extend the thumb and other two fingers.
• ·     To close the left nostril, press lightly on it with the tips of the little and ring fingers.
• ·     To close the right nostril, press lightly on it with the tip of the thumb.
• ·     While retaining the breath, press lightly on both nostrils to hold them closed.

Benefits:

•       This pranayama is believed to make a balance between the left and right sides of the brain.
• ·     Likewise nadi shodhana calms down the mind for meditation, improve greatly in terms of concentration and brings down stress level.

Time Duration: No particular time duration for this mudra. You can practice while sitting, standing or lying on a bed whenever and wherever you have time.

Precautions: If you feel awkward and uneasy to curl up the index finger and middle fingers to the palm, you are allowed to place the tips of those fingers which have to be used at the point between the eyebrows. The other fingers and thumb will be used as in standard Vishnu Mudra.