Garuda Mudra

The garuda mudra is used to balance the air -- or vata -- energy in the body, creates inspiration and energizes the yogi. The word garuda means “eagle” in Sanskrit and mudra means, “gesture of.” By activating blood flow, the garuda mudra invigorates and balances the vata energy on both sides of the body.

To perform garuda mudra, maintain an erect posture, place the right hand on top of the left hand, with the right thumb hooking around the knuckle of the other thumb. The mudra should look like a bird's wings, with the palms of the hands facing you. Soften the shoulders and place the hands in front of the low abdomen; hold the mudra for ten breaths. Move the hands up the body, stopping at the navel and the center of the chest for ten breaths. This mudra should be performed tree times per day.