Pushan Mudra (Digestion Gesture): Meaning, How to Do & Benefits

• Meaning
• How to Do
• Time
• Pushan Mudra Variant
• Benefits

Pushan Mudra is a powerful hand gesture in yoga, known for its ability to enhance digestion and balance the body’s internal processes. The term “Pushan” comes from Sanskrit and means “one who nourishes.” This mudra is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun, symbolizing the Sun’s vital role in providing energy and nourishment to all living beings.

Unlike other mudras, which often have similar hand positions, Pushan Mudra involves distinct configurations for each hand, specifically designed to support digestive health and balance internal functions. Practicing this gesture can harmonize bodily functions, improve nutrient absorption, and aid in the elimination process, promoting overall well-being.

Meaning

In Sanskrit, “Pushan” means “nourisher,” emphasizing this mudra’s connection to Lord Surya (the Sun) and the Sun’s essential role in providing energy and nourishment to all living beings. Pushan Mudra symbolizes the dual processes of receiving and eliminating, which are vital for maintaining a healthy digestive system.

The right hand forms the Vyan Mudra,, representing the intake of nutrients, while the left hand forms the Apana Mudra, signifying the elimination of waste. This balance between intake and elimination is crucial for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption, ensuring that the body effectively processes and utilizes nourishment from food.

Symbolic representation

Pushan Mudra embodies a balance between intake and elimination through distinct hand positions:

• Right Hand (Vyan Mudra): The right hand forms Vyan Mudra by touching the tips of the index and middle fingers to the thumb, while extending the ring and little fingers. This gesture symbolizes acceptance or reception, representing the body’s ability to take in and assimilate nutrients from food.
• Left Hand (Apana Mudra): The left hand forms Apana Mudra by touching the tips of the middle and ring fingers to the thumb, while extending the index and little fingers. This gesture represents the elimination process, highlighting the body’s capacity to expel waste and toxins.

By harmonizing these two gestures, Pushan Mudra balances the processes of intake and elimination, contributing to better digestion and overall health. Practicing this mudra after meals, especially in Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose), enhances its digestive benefits.

It not only improves digestion but also generates heat in the body and removes excess water, which helps alleviate issues such as reflux and belching.

Additionally, this specific variant of Pushan Mudra, by combining the right hand (acceptance) and left hand (elimination) positions, activates the Manipura chakra, further assisting in the treatment of reflux and belching issues

How to do pushan mudra(Steps)

• Sit in Padmasana, Virasana, or Sukhasana with closed eyes.
• Place your hands on your knees with the palms facing upward.
• Take a few deep breaths, staying mindful.
• For the right hand (Vyan Mudra): Curl the index and middle fingers to touch their tips to the thumb, and extend the ring and little fingers outward.
• For the left hand (Apana Mudra): Curl the middle and ring fingers to touch their tips to the thumb, and extend the index and little fingers outward.
• Maintain this hand position and focus on the navel chakra.

Time & Duration

• Best Time: It can be beneficial to practice Pushan Mudra after meals, especially when seated in Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose), to enhance digestion.
• Duration Per Session: Practice Pushan Mudra for 10-15 minutes at a time, aiming for at least 4 sessions per day to achieve optimal benefits.
• Meditation Integration: Incorporate the mudra into your meditation sessions for a more profound impact on your digestive system and overall well-being.

Precautions

• Start gradually to avoid overstressing your fingers.
• Ensure not to overstrain your hands and fingers during practice.
• Listen to your body and stop if you experience discomfort or pain.
• Consult a healthcare provider if you have pre-existing health conditions before starting the practice.

Side effects

There are no significant side effects associated with Pushan Mudra. However, rarely, individuals may experience a brief adjustment period in their digestive system as it adapts to the changes stimulated by the mudra.

Additional tips

• Practice this mudra during meditative sessions
• Focus on your breathing patterns while holding the mudra.
• Keep your eyes closed, imagine the colour orange, and concentrate on the sacral chakra
• Finally, you can also chant the Bija mantra, “vam” (vahm).

Pushan mudra variant

For those who experience weakness, there is a variant of Pushan Mudra that can be particularly beneficial. In this variant, the right hand forms Prana Mudra, while the left hand remains in Apana Mudra.

In this variant:

• The left hand retains the Apana Mudra position, where the middle and ring fingers touch the thumb, and the index and little fingers remain extended.
• The right hand forms Prana Mudra by folding the ring and pinkie fingers to touch the thumb, with the index and middle fingers extended outward.

Prana Mudra, which addresses Prana Vayu related to breathing, supports effective breathing and has a notable impact on the nervous system. This variant of Pushan Mudra aids in enhancing respiratory function and overall vitality.

Benefits of pushan mudra

Pushan Mudra, known for its ability to balance the body’s intake and elimination processes, offers numerous health benefits, particularly for digestion and metabolism. This simple hand gesture can help alleviate digestive discomfort, enhance nutrient absorption, and promote overall vitality, making it a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy digestive system and balanced internal environment.

• Improves Digestion: Pushan Mudra is particularly beneficial for enhancing digestive function. By balancing the intake and elimination processes, this mudra helps stimulate the digestive organs, leading to better absorption of nutrients and efficient removal of waste.
• Balances the Body’s Internal Processes: This mudra encourages a harmonious relationship between the body’s processes of assimilation and elimination. By engaging both the right and left hand in different positions, it activates different energy channels, helping to balance these internal processes for overall well-being.
• Alleviates Digestive Discomfort: Regular practice of Pushan Mudra can help alleviate common digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. By promoting the proper flow of digestive juices and enhancing the body’s ability to eliminate toxins, it reduces discomfort and promotes a healthy digestive tract.
• Stimulates Manipura Chakra: Pushan Mudra activates the Manipura chakra, which is associated with the solar plexus and governs digestion and metabolism. Stimulating this energy center can enhance the digestive fire, boost metabolism, and increase vitality.
• Reduces Excess Water and Heat: This mudra helps in regulating the body’s heat and water retention. By balancing these elements, Pushan Mudra can aid in reducing conditions like water retention and excess body heat, which are often linked to digestive disturbances.
• Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress: Practicing Pushan Mudra encourages a state of relaxation and calm, which can reduce stress levels. Stress often affects digestion adversely, so by promoting relaxation, this mudra indirectly supports digestive health and overall well-being.
• Improves Respiratory Function: The variant of Pushan Mudra that involves Prana Mudra can help enhance respiratory function by stimulating the body’s energy flow related to breathing. Improved respiratory function supports better oxygenation of the body, which is crucial for overall health and vitality.
• Increases Energy and Vitality: Regular practice of Pushan Mudra can increase energy levels and vitality by enhancing nutrient absorption and detoxifying the body. A well-nourished body with efficient elimination processes is naturally more energetic and vibrant.

Conclusion

This simple asymmetrical hand gesture influences the three vital forces of the body: Prana, Samana, and Apana Vayu. It highlights the significance of Pushan Mudra.

By practising Pushan Mudra, you can lead a more active and healthy life. It serves as a remedy for digestive issues and offers numerous physical and mental benefits.

So, the next time you sit down to meditate or relax after a heavy meal, remember to incorporate Pushan Mudra into your routine.