Description
- Anjali mudra, one of the hand gestures of yoga, is a common way of greeting in most Asian countries.
- Yoga also uses anjali mudra as it is associated with spirituality and aids in meditation.
- Anjali is a Sanskrit word which means "salutation seal" in English.
Follow these steps to try Anjali Mudra:
- Bringing the hands together, the palms are placed gently against one another in front of the anahata (heart) chakra.
- The fingers point upward. The spine is lengthened while sitting comfortably straight.
- Bringing hands together and saying "Namaste" is a respectful greeting. In yoga community, classes often conclude with this mudra while chanting Om as a way to seal the practice and honor one's self and fellow yogis.
Benefits
- Improves focus during meditation
- Promotes mindfullness and inner awareness
- Calms the mind
- Relieves stress
- Connects the brain's right and left hemispheres
- Provides flexibility in the wrists and arm joints.
- Stimulates the anahata chakra.
- In the extended practice it stimulates and activates ajna chakra.