योग मुद्रा
Also known as: Union Bow, Integration Mudra
Yoga (योग) means 'union' or 'to yoke together' - fundamental concept of spiritual practice
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.
Combined with seated forward fold and breath retention
10-20 minutes during integration practices
Intermediate
Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points
# Complex full-body mudra # Primary hand component: HAND(LEFT) PALM(INWARD) WRIST(STRAIGHT) T: STRAIGHT 1: STRAIGHT 2: STRAIGHT 3: STRAIGHT 4: STRAIGHT FINGERS(INTERLOCKED) HAND(RIGHT) PALM(INWARD) WRIST(STRAIGHT) T: STRAIGHT 1: STRAIGHT 2: STRAIGHT 3: STRAIGHT 4: STRAIGHT FINGERS(INTERLOCKED) # Hands clasped behind back in seated forward fold
This spiritual integration gesture promotes unity through careful embodied practice. Research on contemplative postures shows that forward-bending positions can activate parasympathetic responses when practiced safely with proper anatomical awareness (Iyengar, 1966). Formation: Seated cross-legged, clasp hands behind back with fingers interlaced, slowly fold forward only as comfortable. Never force this position or cause strain. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Those with back injuries, herniated discs, spi...
Traditional texts describe this as "cultivating surrender and inner unity" — their terms for how forward-bending postures activate the parasympathetic nervous system's introspective functions. Practitioners often report that this gesture helps develop what ancient sources called "ego dissolution" — a humble, surrendered state that can support letting go of mental resistance and cultivating genuine
Sit in meditation posture and clasp your hands behind your back with fingers interlaced. Take a deep breath to lengthen your spine, then slowly fold forward, bringing your forehead toward the ground while your clasped hands lift away from your back. This full-body integration combines physical surrender with mental submission to higher wisdom. Feel how the forward fold naturally quiets mental activity while the bound hands represent offering individual will to divine guidance. Many practitioners experience profound release and inner unity within minutes. Silently sound YOGA OM ("Union with the Divine") as you rest in this position. Hold for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, then slowly roll up vertebra by vertebra, maintaining the sense of surrendered integration.
Traditional yogic texts describe this as the gesture of complete surrender - the physical embodiment of the yoga principle that individual will can align with universal wisdom. Ancient practitioners believed this forward-bending position represented what they called 'ego offering' - the humble recog