Brahma Mudra

ब्रह्मा मुद्रा

Also known as: Full Breath Mudra

Meditation/SpiritualFire

Etymology

Brahma (ब्रह्मा) - the creator god in Hindu trinity

Finger Position

Both hands in fist, knuckles together below navel

Duration

During pranayama practice

Difficulty

Beginner

Associated Chakras

Svadhisthana(Sacral)
Manipura(Solar Plexus)
Bija Mantra: OM (universal breath sound)
Tarjani(Air)Madhyama(Space)Anamika(Earth)Kanishthika(Water)Angutha(Fire)

Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points

MGN Notation

HAND(LEFT)
  PALM(UP)
  WRIST(STRAIGHT)
  SHAPE(FIST)

HAND(RIGHT)
  PALM(UP)
  WRIST(STRAIGHT)
  SHAPE(FIST)

# Both hands in fist with thumbs tucked inside, knuckles together below navel

Instructions

This comprehensive breathing gesture enhances respiratory capacity through specific hand positioning. Research on breathing coordination shows that systematic breath patterns combined with posture can improve lung function and nervous system regulation (Brown & Gerbarg, 2017). Formation: Form gentle fists with thumbs tucked inside palms, rest knuckles together below navel. This position supports three-part breathing patterns. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Those with respiratory disorders, anxiety, or pan...

Quick Start Checklist

  • 1Sit upright; form gentle fists with thumbs tucked inside
  • 2Rest fisted knuckles together below navel
  • 3Breathe deeply into all three sections of lungs
  • 4Practice during pranayama sessions
  • 5Focus on complete
  • 6full breathing capacity
  • 7Notice enhanced oxygen flow and lung expansion

Benefits

Physical

  • Enhances full yogic breathing (Maya breath)
  • engages all three sections of lungs

Mental

  • Improves breath awareness and control

Spiritual

Traditional texts describe this as "enhancing complete breathing awareness" — their terms for how this closed-fist positioning with contained thumbs activates the parasympathetic nervous system's deep breathing functions. Practitioners often report that this mudra helps develop what ancient sources called "integrated breathing" — the coordinated respiratory state that can support three-part yogic

Clinical Applications

ADHD & Attention TrainingAnxiety & Stress ManagementRespiratory Therapy

Guided Practice

Make gentle fists by tucking your thumbs into your palms and wrapping your other fingers around them. Place your knuckles together at your lower abdomen, creating a contained focus for breathing practice. This positioning naturally encourages deeper, more complete breathing patterns. Many practitioners notice enhanced respiratory capacity and improved breath awareness within minutes of practice.

Symbolism

Traditional yogic texts describe this as representing the integration of all breathing functions into complete respiratory cycles. Ancient practitioners believed this closed-fist position with enclosed thumbs represented what they called 'contained breath awareness' - the capacity to focus completel

Traditional Uses

Pranayamafull breath practicesconnecting with creative energy
Source: Pranayama texts