विष्णु मुद्रा
Also known as: Nadi Shodhana Hand Position, Pranayama Mudra
Vishnu (विष्णु) - the preserver aspect of the divine trinity in Hinduism
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 and middle fingers folded into palm, thumb, ring, and little fingers extended
10-20 minutes during pranayama
Intermediate
Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points
HAND(RIGHT) PALM(UP) WRIST(STRAIGHT) T: STRAIGHT 1: BENT, TOUCH(PALM) 2: BENT, TOUCH(PALM) 3: STRAIGHT 4: STRAIGHT FINGERS(TOGETHER) # Used for alternate nostril breathing - thumb on right nostril, ring finger on left
This pranayama support gesture enhances respiratory control through strategic finger positioning. Research on bilateral breathing shows improved autonomic balance and enhanced interhemispheric brain communication by 20-30% (Telles et al., 2013). Formation: Fold index and middle fingers to palm, extend thumb, ring, and little fingers. Use thumb for right nostril, ring finger for left nostril closure during alternate breathing. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Not suitable during severe nasal congestion, devi...
Traditional texts describe this as "connecting with Vishnu's preserving energy" and "maintaining cosmic balance" — their terms for how this divine preservation gesture activates the parasympathetic nervous system's stability and harmony functions. Ancient practitioners observed that this specific nostril-closing formation creates what they called "preservation consciousness" — the naturally balanc
Fold your index and middle fingers into your palm, while extending your thumb, ring finger, and little finger. Use your thumb to close your right nostril and your ring finger to close your left nostril for alternate nostril breathing. This precise hand formation balances the nervous system through controlled breathing. Notice how alternating nostrils creates immediate mental equilibrium and calm focus. Many practitioners experience reduced anxiety and clearer thinking within minutes. Silently sound OM NARAYANA ("Divine Preservation") as you practice gentle alternate nostril breathing. Use this mudra for 5-10 minutes to balance mental energy and cultivate steady presence.
Traditional Vedic texts describe Vishnu as the divine preserver who maintains cosmic order and protects dharma across all cycles of time. Ancient practitioners believed this hand gesture represented what they called 'preservation consciousness' - the capacity to maintain stability, protect what is s