Apana Mudra

Apana (which refers to Apana Vayu) + mudra (gesture)

Sanskrit – अपान मुद्रा

Chakras – Root Chakra

Ayurvedic Elements: Ether, Earth, and Fire

Also Known as – Purification Mudra or Mudra for Purification

What Is Apana Mudra?

The Sanskrit word Apana refers to a cleansing form of subtle energy that goes downwards and outwards in our bodies. According to yogic tradition, it is associated with Apana Vayu, one of the five prana vayus.

Because apana vayu is the energy that governs waste elimination in the physical body, apana mudra is beneficial for detoxification by removing toxins and waste.

It helps in the regulation of the menstrual cycle in women. this why it is also known as the “Purification Mudra or Mudra for Purification.”

In the past, many well-known yoga gurus, including Sri Ramakrishna and Mahavatar Babaji, understood the powerful and healing effects of this mudra.

In this mudra, we connect the middle finger, which represents space or ether, the ring finger, which represents earth, and the thumb, which represents fire energy. It is used to connect the earth and space elements with fire in order to balance them.

How To Do Apana Mudra

Begin by sitting in your preferred position. In which you are most at ease. Like Easy Pose (Sukhasana) or Hero Pose (Virasana).
Place your hands on your knees with your palms facing upwards.
Close your eyes. Your spine should be straight and your head should be properly aligned.
Join the tips of the thumbs to the tips of the ring and middle fingers on both hands.
The index and little fingers should be straight but relaxed.
Hold the mudra for as long as comfortable.
To release – Come at ease and stay seated for a moment to reap the rewards of the practice.

Time Duration To Perform Apana Mudra

To fully experience the benefits of Apana Mudra, Do this gesture for 30 minutes per day. Which can be done in sets of three or all at once.
Practice at a peaceful location where you won’t be interrupted.
Perform this mudra in the morning to balancing the flow of energy and calmness in the body.
Additionally, you can do this after eating, particularly if you’re feeling nauseous.

Benefits Of Apana Mudra

Apana mudra helps in the elimination of bodily waste and excess water by urine. It can help with kidney stones, bladder stones, and urinary tract problems.
Apana mudra is especially useful for women because it eases cramps and issues related to irregular periods.
It strengthens the immune system by eliminating free radicals that can harm cells and weaken the body’s defenses.
Apana mudra enhances digestion by facilitating the downward flow of energy. It improves bowel movements and helps eliminate undigested food particles.
Apana mudra helps alleviate constipation, acidity, gas, pain, and indigestion by stimulating the abdominal organs.
Apana mudra, when combined with pranayama and meditation, promotes inner calm. It helps in the release of unwanted emotions, thoughts, and experiences.
Apana mudra activates kundalini energy by balancing the root chakra. It creates a direct link between different layers of the body, promoting balance between the physical, pranic, and mental bodies.

Contraindications Of Apana Mudra

Pregnant women should avoid practicing this mudra for the first 8 months of their pregnancy as the downward pull can cause mishappenings. However, during the 9th month, you can practice this mudra to ease the process of childbirth.
If you have any hand or wrist injuries, avoid performing this mudra. If you experience any pain or discomfort while doing the mudra, stop immediately.
People with excessive vata and kapha dosha should use the apana mudra in moderation.

How To Use Apana Mudra In Yoga

Mantra

LAM (लं)

Lam is the seed sound of the root chakra, signifying the earth element that grounds us in the physical world. It aids in achieving inner balance and harmony.

You can repeat the mantra “LAM” in your head or aloud if you want to enhance your focus on opening the Root Chakra.

For Pranayama

Exhale for a longer period of time to boost elimination. Exhale for as long as you can while still feeling relaxed and comfortable, but don’t force it.

For Meditation

This mudra may help with meditation by releasing overthinking and mental clutter.

In Yoga Asana

Apana Mudra can be done in Easy Pose, Padmasana or Thunderbolt Pose depending on your level of comfort. It is used in yoga session to help us connect with our higher selves. It relaxes the mind, bring calm and helps in self-expression, true existence, and spiritual awakening.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is Apana Mudra and when to do Apana Mudra?

Apana is a cleansing form of subtle energy found in our bodies. It is linked to Apana Vayu, which governs waste removal. Apana mudra aids in detoxification by removing toxins and waste. It is also known as the Purification Mudra and regulates the menstrual cycle. Daily, practice this gesture for 30 minutes in sets of three or all at once. Find a quiet place and do it in the morning for balanced energy and calmness. It can also be done after eating, particularly if you are feeling nauseous.

Contraindications Of Apana Mudra?

Pregnant women should avoid apana mudra for the first 8 months as it can cause mishappenings, but it can be practiced during the 9th month to ease childbirth. person with hand or wrist injury should refrain from performing this mudra. People with excessive vata and kapha dosha should use this mudra in moderation.