गणेश मुद्रा
Named after Lord Ganesha (गणेश), the remover of obstacles
The hands have a disproportionately large area of representation in the brain's sensory and motor cortices, a concept visualized by the cortical homunculus.
A mudra holds the fingers in a specific, sustained posture, creating a stable and precise pattern of neural input from the hand to the brain.
This focused neural circuit influences brainwave activity and helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, allowing you to consciously shift your psychological and energetic state towards a desired quality like calmness or focus.
Interlocked fingers with opposing palm directions
6-10 repetitions each side
Intermediate
Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points
HAND(LEFT) PALM(OUTWARD) WRIST(STRAIGHT) T: STRAIGHT 1: BENT 2: BENT 3: BENT 4: BENT FINGERS(INTERLOCKED) HAND(RIGHT) PALM(INWARD) WRIST(STRAIGHT) T: STRAIGHT 1: BENT 2: BENT 3: BENT 4: BENT FINGERS(INTERLOCKED) # Fingers interlocked like claws, pull apart forcefully on exhale
This is the mudra traditionally used to invoke Lord Ganesha's elephant-strength for overcoming obstacles. Place your left hand at chest level with palm facing outward, thumb pointing down. Hook your right hand fingers (palm facing inward) with your left hand fingers, creating an interlocked grip like claws. On your exhale, pull your hands gently apart while maintaining the grip, creating resistance. On your inhale, relax the tension. Repeat 6-10 times, then switch hand positions....
Traditional texts describe this as "transmitting protective energy and building inner courage" — their terms for how raising the open palm activates the parasympathetic nervous system's confidence-building functions. Practitioners often report that this gesture helps develop what ancient sources called "fearless presence" — a calm, steady state that can provide emotional stability and the capacity
Hook your fingers together at heart level with your left palm facing your body and right palm facing away. Create gentle tension by pulling your hands apart while maintaining the grip, engaging your arms and chest muscles. This interlocked pulling activates inner strength and determination while opening the heart region. Feel how the gentle resistance builds confidence and removes energetic obstacles. Many practitioners notice increased courage and sense of personal power within minutes. Silently sound GAM GLAUM ("Obstacle Remover") as you breathe into this strength-building position. Practice 6-10 pulling cycles, then reverse hand positions and repeat, feeling how inner barriers dissolve through conscious engagement.
Traditional Hindu texts describe Ganesha as the remover of obstacles and patron of new beginnings - the elephant-headed deity who clears the path for successful ventures. Ancient practitioners believed this gesture represented what they called 'obstacle dissolution' - the capacity to overcome challe