Yoga Mudrasana, also known as Psychic Union Pose or Yoga Sealing Pose, is a seated forward bending yoga posture that is especially useful in awakening Kundalini.
Crossing the hands behind the back expands the chest and increases the range of motion of the shoulders. Experts believe that Yoga Mudrasana accelerates peristaltic activity and pushes down the accumulated waste matte in the colon, thereby relieving constipation and increasing digestion power.
Information
| Known as: | Yoga Mudrasana, Psychic Union Pose, Yoga Seal Pose, Yoga Sealing Pose, Yoga Symbol Pose |
| Sanskreit name: | योग मुद्रासन |
| IAST: | Yoga Mudrāsana |
| Pronunciation: | YOG-aa moo-DRAHS-anna |
| level: | Advanced |
| Type: | Seated, Forward-Bend |
| Total time: | 30 to 60 seconds |
| Drishti: | Forward; Upward |
| Chakra: | Sahasrara Chakra, Ajna Chakra, Manipura Chakra |
| Focus: | Abdominal, shoulder, spinal column |
| Indications: | Arthritis and osteoporosis; sciatica, menstrual discomfort, intestines, colon, liver, viscera |
| Counterpose: | Dandasana (Staff Pose) |
| Preparatory poses: | Sukhasana, Ardha Padmasana, Lotus Pose, Baddha Padmasana, Head to Knee Pose, Baddha Konasana, Cow Face Pose |
| Follow-up poses: | Bhujangasana, Makarasana, Salamba Bhujangasana |
| Contraindications: | High blood pressure or low blood pressure (do not bend forward), knee or hip injury, groin or shoulder injury, pregnancy (after the first trimester; do not bend forward) |
Meaning + Origin
The Yoga Mudrasana is derived from the Sanskrit name, which is made up of three words — Yoga + Mudra + Asana:
- “Yoga” = “awareness or to unite”
- “Mudra” = “seal or gesture or mark”
- “Asana” = “pose or posture or seat”
Mudrasana has a symbolic meaning that represents the ‘seal of awareness’ and hence is often called the Yoga Seal Pose.
The asana was practiced in ancient times by sages for the power to awaken the inner self. The Mudra elevates one’s state of mind to a higher level and promotes mental vitality.
The pose is also known as Psychic Union Pose. It is believed that this yoga pose stimulates that mental energy and directs the flow of mental energy in the body and hence the name ‘Psychic Union Pose’.
Benefits of Yoga Mudrasana
The practice of Yoga Mudrasana brings about a sense of surrender, a sense of humility, a sense of ease, a positive change in our behavior, it helps to destroy ego and anger and practitioner can move forward in the field of spirituality.
By stimulating the Manipura (solar plexus) chakra, which is the center of life force and aids in energy balance, yoga posture increase energy levels and promote overall health.
This asana also awakens the practitioner’s Kundalini Shakti, which promotes physical, mental and spiritual awareness. The practice of this yoga pose at an advanced level brings with it many physical and mental benefits which are listed below:
- Physical Benefits:
- Stretches shoulder, arms, back, neck, pelvis and knees
- Open hips and chest
- Increases knee flexibility
- Relieves sciatica and menstrual discomfort
- Stimulates intestines, colon, and liver
- Promotes digestive and reproductive system health
- Prevents arthritis and osteoporosis
- Mental Benefits:
- Reduces stress
- Calms the mind
- Reduces anxiety and depression
Steps to Yoga Mudrasana (Psychic Union Pose)
- Sit with your legs stretched out. Bend your left leg and bring your hands under your foot, cradle the foot and lower shin.
- Bend your left leg into a Half-lotus by bringing your foot over the crease of your right thigh. Place your hands behind your back and press your fingers to the floor to lengthen your spine. Press your right leg firmly into the floor.
- Bend your right leg and grasp your right foot and ankle. Bring your right foot to the crease of your left thigh and come into a Full Lotus Position. Exhale, press your hands down, and extend upward from the core of your pelvis to the crown of your head. Maintain a natural curve in your spine. Keep the soles of your feet facing up and press the little toes of your feet into your thighs. Draw your knees closer together.
- Exhale and bring your right hand behind your back and grasp your big toe. Inhale, tilt your torso forward, exhale, swing your left hand behind your back and grasp the other big toe. Extend out through your knees from the core of your pelvis. Press your toes into your thighs.
- Turn your head back, look up and take a few breaths. Exhale and lean forward, resting your forehead on the floor. Release and repeat on the other side.
Precautions and contraindications
The following precautions and contraindications to keep in mind while practicing Yoga Mudrasana and which are given below:
- People who have injuries to the shoulders, neck, hips, knees, ankles and pelvic girdle should avoid the practice of this mudra.
- Individuals with back problems related to injury, surgery, or pain should avoid the practice of Psychic Union Pose altogether.
- Surgery of internal organs, including the time of recovery, is a contraindication, so it is best to avoid it.
- Not for women at the time of menstruation, even after pregnancy or childbirth.
- Individuals suffering from blood pressure or cardiac ailments should avoid this yoga practice.
