Ashwini Mudra
What is Mudra?
Mudras in Sanskrit literally mean gestures or actions. In yoga, Mudras are scientifically formulated in order to cure certain bodily ailments, as well as to calm the mind or increase concentration. Yoga Mudras help to create an optimum balance of the ‘panch-tattvas’ (five elements) which make up the human body. When the elements are perfectly balanced, then one achieves perfect yoga which means unison of body, mind and soul.
What is Ashwini Mudra?
In Sanskrit Ashwini means ‘horse’ while Mudra means gestures. Thus Ashwini Mudra literally means ‘gesture of the horse’. This mudra has been so named, because one has to contract and relax the buttocks. This action resembles the anal contraction made by a horse’s sphincter immediately after it evacuates its bowels.
How it is done: There are two versions of Ashwini Mudra.
Step-by-step procedure of Ashwini Mudra – Version 2:
Benefits:
Crowthorne & Sandhurst Yoga Classes Rosie is a qualified teacher who excels in transfering her knowledge of yoga and all it's benefits to her pupils. Rosie currently runs classes in Wokingham, Crowthorne and Sandhurst.
Mudras in Sanskrit literally mean gestures or actions. In yoga, Mudras are scientifically formulated in order to cure certain bodily ailments, as well as to calm the mind or increase concentration. Yoga Mudras help to create an optimum balance of the ‘panch-tattvas’ (five elements) which make up the human body. When the elements are perfectly balanced, then one achieves perfect yoga which means unison of body, mind and soul.
What is Ashwini Mudra?
In Sanskrit Ashwini means ‘horse’ while Mudra means gestures. Thus Ashwini Mudra literally means ‘gesture of the horse’. This mudra has been so named, because one has to contract and relax the buttocks. This action resembles the anal contraction made by a horse’s sphincter immediately after it evacuates its bowels.
How it is done: There are two versions of Ashwini Mudra.
- Step-by-step procedure of Ashwini Mudra – Version 1:
- Sit comfortably in a yoga posture with your legs crossed.
- Breathe in an out evenly, and slowly; become aware of your breathing process, as well as of your anus.
- Now, without straining, contract the muscles of the anal sphincter for a few seconds. Then relax for a few seconds. Repeat this action a few times. You can start with 5 to 6 repetitions and gradually increase the repetitions, while making them more rapid.
- Be careful to perform the contractions and relaxations rhythmically and smoothly.
Step-by-step procedure of Ashwini Mudra – Version 2:
- Roll up a towel, and then sit back on it, on your heels in such a way, that you can feel a pressure on the Muladhara Chakra (for women, this is on the clitoris, while for men it is between the genitals and anus).
- Inhale and fill your lungs to half capacity. Now rapidly contract and relax your anus 15 times. The speed should be about twice per second. Repeat this inhalation, contraction and relaxation procedure 3 times.
- Now inhale deeply and hold your breath. Pull your shoulders forward and press your chin against your chest. Visualize energy flowing up your spine. Hold this pose for a few moments and relax.
Benefits:
- The Ashwini Mudra is very beneficial for the abdominal region and entire pelvic region. It firms up the muscles of the buttocks and anal sphincter.
- This mudra is very powerful as it helps to generate immense energy in the lower body, pass it upwards along the spine and also helps to clear up any energy blockages.
- It has been found especially beneficial for pregnant women, since regular practice helps in easy childbirth by strengthening the muscles of the lower abdomen and vagina.
Crowthorne & Sandhurst Yoga Classes Rosie is a qualified teacher who excels in transfering her knowledge of yoga and all it's benefits to her pupils. Rosie currently runs classes in Wokingham, Crowthorne and Sandhurst.