Akash Mudra, also known as Akasha Vardhak Mudra (where “Vardhak” in Sanskrit means “to increase”), is a fundamental hand gesture in yoga and Ayurveda. This powerful yet simple technique involves specific finger positioning to stimulate the space element within the body. By harnessing the energy of the space element, Akash Mudra enhances both physical and mental well-being.
It is frequently practiced during meditation and Pranayama (breathing exercises) to enhance their effectiveness and deepen the practitioner’s spiritual experience.
Meaning of Akash Mudra
In Sanskrit, ‘Akash‘ means ‘space‘ or ‘ether,’ and ‘Mudra‘ means ‘gesture‘ or ‘seal.’ Therefore, Akash Mudra translates to the “Gesture of Space.” Also known as Shuni Mudra, it symbolizes patience and is used to balance the space element (Akasha) in the body, one of the five essential elements in yogic philosophy.
This mudra involves touching the middle finger, which represents the space element, to the thumb, which represents the fire element. By doing this, Akash Mudra helps address issues related to the space element, such as migraines and hearing loss. It also enhances the body’s space element, promoting mental clarity, detoxification, and heightened awareness.
In addition to physical benefits, Akash Mudra aids in achieving mental peace and balancing the mind and body, thus improving the practitioner’s spiritual well-being.
What ‘Akash’ Means in Akash Mudra?
In the context of Akash Mudra, ‘Akash’ represents the space or ether element that pervades everything. Increasing this element in the body promotes open-mindedness and emotional clarity. It helps transform negative traits such as anger and selfishness into positive qualities like compassion and selflessness.
Practicing Akash Mudra is believed to generate a calming blue energy that activates the Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra). This activation facilitates the connection between individual consciousness (Atma or soul) and universal consciousness (Paramatma or the divine essence), fostering a deeper sense of inner peace and spiritual unity.
How to Do the Akash Mudra (Space Gesture)
- Sit comfortably in a stable posture like Vajrasana, Sukhasana, or Padmasana.
- Keep your back, neck, and head aligned in a straight line.
- Place the backs of your hands on your knees, with palms facing upward.
- Fold the middle finger of each hand and touch it to the tip of the thumb.
- Extend the other fingers fully and relax them.
- Close your eyes and focus on the space behind them, visualizing it filled with white or yellow light.
- Breathe deeply and slowly, inhaling through your nose and exhaling completely.
- Practice for 30-40 minutes daily, either in one stretch or divided into multiple sessions.
Time & Duration
- Ideal Time: Practice Akash Mudra between 4 am and 6 am for optimal results. If this is not possible, you can also practice it in the evening.
- Duration: Aim to practice for 30 to 45 minutes daily. This can be divided into two or three sessions of 10 to 15 minutes each, based on your convenience and schedule.
Precautions
- Individuals with Vata (wind) imbalance should practice Akash Mudra with patience and care.
- Avoid applying excessive pressure when touching your fingers together. Light contact is sufficient and will prevent discomfort.
- Minimize distractions by avoiding electronic gadgets, tight clothing, and practicing in a well-ventilated space.
- Don’t rush to become an expert. Practice slowly and steadily to avoid exhaustion and ensure gradual improvement.
Akash Mudra is generally safe and beneficial for most people, with no significant side effects reported. As long as it is practiced correctly and with the appropriate precautions, it typically does not cause any adverse effects.
Benefits of Akash Mudra
1. Relieve the Condition of Migraine: Lack of space element in our body results in the condition of migraine. According to a study , yoga practices like mediation with Akash mudra positively affects the Agya chakra (hypothalamic-cerebral system of the brain).
This further improves the life quality of patients by improving the symptoms. Ultimately, relieve the migraine problem.
2. Reduces Sinusitis Pain : Sinusitis and its associated pain are quite common, affecting approximately one in eight people worldwide.
Acupressure points related to the sinuses are located in the middle finger. Gently touching these points with Akash Mudra provides significant relief from sinusitis pain.
3. Improve Hearing Loss : Exposure to loud sounds and the aging process can diminish the ability of nerve cells in the cochlea that transmit sound signals to the brain. This leads to inefficient transmission of electrical signals and hearing loss.
However, Akash Mudra stimulates the nerve centers involved in hearing, improving their function and enhancing overall hearing ability.
4. Activates Throat Chakra : ssues such as jaw pain, shoulder pain, thyroid dysfunction, neck pain, or hearing problems often stem from an imbalanced throat chakra.
Practicing Akash Mudra directs the flow of prana through the nadis to the throat chakra. Regular practice of this mudra activates and balances the throat chakra, helping to alleviate these issues
5. Overcome Calcium Deficiency: A lack of calcium in the blood can lead to issues such as tooth decay, brittle bones, hypocalcemia, osteoporosis, and involuntary shivering.
The middle finger has acupressure points linked to the parathyroid glands, which secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH). Practicing Akash Mudra stimulates these pressure points, which, in conjunction with calcium and vitamin D, helps regulate blood calcium levels and address calcium deficiency.
Conclusion
Akash Mudra is a powerful practice that offers numerous benefits for the mind and body. By integrating this mudra into your daily routine, you can enhance your overall well-being, improve your meditation practice, and address various physical ailments. Embrace the Gesture of Space and unlock a new level of harmony and balance in your life.
Hi!
In a meditation I saw a lovely lady that showed me a particular mudra. See, I’m not a yoga practitioner, so I’m finding quite a difficult to finds the meaning.
Looks like the Akash mudra but it was with both hand, one on top of the other, like it was trying to do the infinity symbol ♾️ but most like this 8.
Do you know that mudra?
Kya aakash mudra ka abhyas karne se third eye chakra par dhyan lagta hai? Kya is mudra se parmatma ka shaakshatkar ho sakta hai?kya aakash mudra se dhyan lagta Hain?
I have slightly hyper thyroid one point extra can I practice this mudra. I also have pains morning stiffness in my hand and shoulders. and evern feet pain. Though RA IS NEGATIVE. IS THAT DUE TO THIS HYPER THYROID. BUT I took allopathy medicine for RA FOR ABOUT 2 YRS BUT NOW STARTED WITH AYURVEDA MEDICINE. PLEASE REPLY
Thank you for your great work.
Please how can I tell the difference between akash imbalances. Whether it is high or low?
Thank you.
Actually knowing the symptoms of each of the five elements is what we need to know (and what we learn) in order to work with mudras. When Akash tattva is in excess one may feel detachment from the present situation, emptiness in the body; symptoms include; dry cough, bloating, ear problems, muscular spasms, etc. Low Akash tattva means less space and more structure; which results in weight-gain, tightness, heart problems, varicose veins and stubborn nature. For more information; read this article on Space Element.
Some Authors suggest to practise Akash and Shunya Mudra, one in Morning and the other in the Evening, for Tinnitus. Is it correct?
The leading cause of Tinnitus, according to Ayurveda, is the imbalance of Vata dosha. It implies the imbalance of air (Index finger) and space (middle finger) elements. Shunya mudra and Akash mudra both help balance aggravated Vata dosha by decreasing and increasing the space element. So yes, they can be practised two times separately; one in the morning and one in the evening.
Hi!
Do you know if Akash Mudra is beneficial to overcome some heart ailments, like irregular heartbeat?
I’ve read somewhere that this Mudra mustn’t be practiced while walking… It’s that so?
Yes, akash mudra is beneficial to regulate the heartbeat since it creates space within the chest for the uninterrupted flow of air.
I think there is no such particular rule that it shouldn’t be practised while walking. However, if you’re doing it for meditative purpose, for sure you don’t want to do it while walking. Otherwise, if you’re comfortable in general, then it’s okay.
CAN I DO BOTH AKASH MUDRA AND SHUNYA MUDRA TO IMPROVE HEARING POWER( I AM HAVING HEARING LOSS. CAN I DO THESE MUDRAS IN LYING POSITION BEFORE SLEEPING.
PLEASE REPLY.
REGARDS
GOPAL
Yes, you can do Akash and Shunya mudra (remove numbness) to improve hearing power. However, it’s best suited to do it in a seated cross-legged posture but if you can’t, mudras can be done in the lying position for therapeutic use.