Shakti Mudra
Definition - What does Shakti Mudra mean?
Shakti mudra is a symbolic, ritualistic gesture of the hands often used in Ayurvedic or spiritual yoga practice to produce calming effects on the mind and body, specifically the pelvic area.
In order to perform this mudra, the fourth and fifth fingers (the ring and little fingers) of both hands are pressed together, while the other fingers curl into a fist-like position, with the thumbs tucked against the palms.
In Sanskrit, shakti means “power” or “empowerment,” and mudra means “gesture,” “mark,” or “seal.”
Yogapedia explains Shakti Mudra
It is believed that the shakti mudra is capable of curing insomnia by calming and relaxing the individual who practices it. In addition, it is thought that this hand gesture relaxes the pelvic area, offering relief to those with intestinal or menstrual discomfort.
The shakti mudra is calming to the nervous system and can be practiced anywhere and anytime an individual is seeking relief. However, it is recommended to practice this gesture in a quiet setting, while focusing on the breath, if possible, for no more than 10-15 minutes at three times a day. Over-use of this mudra is thought to cause lethargy.
For those who engage in a spiritual yoga practice, the shakti mudra is thought to influence the svadisthana (spleen or sacral) chakra, and is often considered a sensual or “feminine” mudra due to its effect on the pelvic area. This mudra can be combined with meditative poses like padmasana (lotus pose), or with pelvic-opening postures like malasana (garland pose) or utkata konasana (goddess pose) to deepen its effects.
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