वायु मुद्रा
Vayu (वायु) means 'air' or 'wind' - one of the Pancha Mahabhutas
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.
Index finger folded to thumb base, thumb pressing over index finger
15-45 minutes as needed
Beginner
Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points
HAND(RIGHT) PALM(UP) WRIST(STRAIGHT) T: STRAIGHT, TOUCH(1.base) 1: BENT, TOUCH(T) 2: STRAIGHT 3: STRAIGHT 4: STRAIGHT FINGERS(TOGETHER)
This air element balancing gesture reduces anxiety through specific finger positioning. Research on acupressure points shows that index finger contact can influence nervous system regulation and reduce excessive mental activity (Ernst & White, 2001). Formation: Fold index finger to touch thumb base while keeping other fingers extended. This reduces air element excess that contributes to anxiety and restlessness. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Those with severe depression should practice with professional ...
Traditional texts describe this as "balancing excess air element to calm the mind" — their terms for how this finger positioning activates the parasympathetic nervous system's grounding functions. Practitioners often report that this mudra helps develop what ancient sources called "mental stability" — a calm, centered state that can reduce anxiety and nervous system reactivity while supporting cle
Fold your index finger down to touch the base of your thumb while keeping your other three fingers naturally extended. Rest hands on your knees with palms up to contain air element energy. This air-containing formation calms mental restlessness and nervous energy. Feel how folding the air element finger creates immediate sense of groundedness and inner stability. Many practitioners notice reduced anxiety and scattered thinking within minutes. Silently sound VAM VAYU ("Water Wind") as you breathe slowly and deeply. Practice for 10-15 minutes when feeling anxious, mentally scattered, or experiencing excess air element symptoms like restlessness or insomnia.
Traditional Ayurvedic texts describe this as reducing excess air element (Vata) within the body's five-element system. Ancient practitioners believed containing the index finger with the thumb helped settle what they called 'mental wind' - the restless mental activity that can cause anxiety, scatter