Mudras are hand gestures (not rude ones!) that are used to channel the prana (energy). There are many different ones that are used for different reasons in Hatha yoga. They are most effective used alongside pranayama but can be used with asanas and meditation as well. These are the ones we will focus on in the teen classes:

Gyan 

The one that the young people will probably already know and associate with yoga! This aids concentration and is often used with meditation.

Prana

As the name suggests, this mudra helps to awaken the energy inside and to recognise prana around you.

Surya 

Aids digestion and metabolism, increases core temperature (so also thought to be good for colds).

Kali 

Named for the Goddess Durga, this empowers you to stand in your truth. The outstretched fingers represent Durga’s sword slaying illusions. Good one to use with Warrior poses.

Dhyana

Brings inner peace. Buddha is often depicted in this mudra. The right hand representing enlightenment rests on top of the left hand representing maya or illusion.

Apana

For eliminating waste from both the body and the mind. Apana is the flow of energy out, the opposite of prana.

Ganesha 

Named after the God Ganesh. Used with pranayama, inhale and on the exhale pull the arms apart keeping the hands locked together. Relax them again on the inhale.

Pushpaputa Mudra

In Sanskrit, pushpaputa means “handful of flower”.  Sit on your knees (hero pose) and bring the backs of the hands onto the thighs or knees, fingers pointed diagonally toward each other. Each palm should form a cup. Ask the young people to close their eyes and imagine those cups filling up with whatever they are needing right now. Patience, support, health, happiness, bravery etc.

Yoni Mudra 

Yoni in Sanskrit means womb. In Yoni Mudra, you block the senses to go inside. Sitting comfortably, place the hands as shown with elbows up, arms out. Practice deep breathing to begin with, concetrating on the sound of the breath in your own head. Then stop and see what is left behind. Focus on the silence.

Bandhas

While Mudras help to channel prana, Bandhas are locks and help to keep the energy that has been channeled through the yoga practice in the body. The two we will use in teen yoga are:

• Jalandhara (upward pulling net – closing the throat) – sitting in easy pose with hands down on the knees, bringing the chin to the chest.
• Uddiyana (upward lifting lock) – exhaling completely and take in a false breath, pulling the belly button in towards the spine and lifting the diaphragm into the ribcage.

(the third is lifting the perineum, related to the root chakra but we won’t practice this.)