As the name suggests, Udana Vayu mudra is meant to balance the Udana Vayu.
Udana literally means ‘fly’ and Vayu in yoga means ‘wind’ that flows the Prana into various regions of the body.
Udana-Vayu, which literally means “the wind that which carries upward,” emanates from the heart and travels up to the head, the five senses, and the brain. It is located in the throat and circulates in a circle around the head and neck region. Udana Vayu governs speech, self-expression, and growth and serves to hold us up.
Acts like swallowing, making facial expressions, and speaking are examples of common functions that are controlled by Udana Vayu. Additionally, it controls development and metabolism through the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
Imbalance in Udana Vayu arises in the form of voice difficulties, shortness of breath, sadness, memory loss, and cognitive incapacity.
Also Read: 5 Prana Vayus of Yoga and Their Functions in Body
What is Udana Vayu Mudra?
Out of 5 Prana Vayus, each Prana can be controlled and balanced using a hand mudra.
The purpose of Udana Vayu Mudra is to enhance Udana Vayu’s performance. Simply known as Udana Mudra, it improves thyroid and parathyroid glands’ functionality, as well as speech and communication. It’s a therapeutic mudra in case of ailments related to the head and neck region area.
This mudra is also known as the “Hansi Mudra” because it resembles a swan’s face. It’s formed by joining the tips of the index, middle, and ring finger to the thumb tip while the little finger is stretched straight.
Udana Vayu Mudra helps produce a special hormone ‘serotonin’ in the body which makes you happy. Therefore, it is also known as the ‘inner smile mudra‘. By encouraging the upward movement of the prana, Udana vayu mudra practice paves the path toward spirituality and greater consciousness.
It physically energizes the brain through the flow of good ideas and emotions, resulting in a deeper sense of happiness and joy.
Let us see the steps to perform the Udana Vayu mudra along with some of its benefits.
Also Read: Hand Mudras Meaning and Benefits
How to perform Udana Vayu Mudra
One should practice Udana Vayu mudra for 10 to 15 minutes in one stretch. In this way, do it 2 to 3 times a day. People with throat or thyroid-related problems should practice the Udana Vayu mudra for 20-30 minutes at least in one sitting.
However, people with vata dosha should perform this mudra in a controlled manner as the Udana Vayu may get imbalanced in such people.
Below are the steps to perform this mudra:
- Sit in any comfortable meditative position of your choice. The preferable positions are padmasana, sukhasana, and vajrasana.
- Place your hands on your knees or thighs with palms facing upwards.
- On both hands, join your index, middle, ring finger, and thumb at the tips. Keep your thumb in almost the centre of these fingertips. The little finger should remain extended and comfortably straight.
- Close your eyes and bring your awareness to your breath.
- Slowly bring this awareness towards the throat chakra where the Udana Vayu resides.
- Hold this hand mudra completely still for 10 minutes. Increase mudra holding duration to 20 minutes with more practice and time.
Concluding your practice by performing the prana mudra for 10 minutes will enhance the effects of Udana Vayu mudra.
Benefits of Udana Vayu Mudra
In addition to balancing the udana vayu, practising this mudra during meditation can enhance focus and advance your spiritual practice. It removes obstructions and blockages in the throat chakra which will aid in the Ajna chakra receiving the Kundalini energy.
Udana mudra improves memory, respiratory system, immunity, and metabolism. It stimulates various thyroid and parathyroid glands. It strengthens vocal cords and improves the voice.
Keeping the above in mind, have a look at the benefits of udana mudra:
- Responsible for enhancing immunity by promoting improved respiratory system performance.
- Udana vayu mudra improves communication, speech, confidence, and the ability to convey emotions, among other benefits, by bringing the throat chakra into balance.
- Activates the thyroid and thymus glands which are responsible for controlling the body’s metabolism and ensuring improved immunity, respectively.
- Aids in the treatment of asthma, shallow breathing, and other breathing problems.
- Gives one a strong sensation of inner joy, tranquillity, and love that is unconditional.
- Maintains allergens at bay by aiding in nasal cleansing.
- Keeps stress, tension, and anxiety away while boosting the brain with healthy prana flow.
- Brings equilibrium between the two sides of the brain by helping to enhance and stimulate the creative side.
- This mudra enhances intellect and activates the kundalini on a higher plane.
- Sharpens memory and increases alertness, attention, and focus.
