Mudras

Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth, they not only make us what and who we are but also comprise the entire universe around us. Innerstanding the delicate balance of these 5 elements is fundamental in Ayurvedic science and will take your innerstanding of Doshas, Chakras, Mudras, and more to the next level.  According to Ayurvedic belief, all living and non-living entities are comprised of Panchamahabhuta, a Sanskrit concept that translates as ‘the 5 great elements’. 

It is also important to innerstand that each of these 5 subtle essences relate to our bodily senses. The tanmatras that make up the elements are:

1. Shabda (sound)

2. Roopa (vision)

3. Sparsha (touch)

4. Gnadha (smell)

5. Rasa (taste)

Each element has a unique composition of these tanmatra essences in different proportions.

During Ayurvedic yoga or meditation, it is possible to connect with the elements, both within your body and in the surrounding universe, by focusing on each of the 5 senses.

1. Ether (Akash)

Ether is the most subtle and mystic element, the omnipresent space within which all objects in the universe exist. It is both nothing and everything. Some believe that Ether is also present in nuclear energy and all its unseen potential.

This element is connected to the Throat Chakra. The Throat Chakra, also known as the Vishudda Chakra, conducts energy between the lower body and the head. It is responsible for honest communication, self-expression, sincerity, and conscious creativity.

Although the Ether element cannot be perceived by the naked eye, we are able connect to it through the shabda  sound. Ether governs the sense of hearing and is associated with the ear organ.

The characteristics of Ether are empty, clear, light, soft and immeasurable. Ether is the dominant Ayurveda element in the Vata Dosha, along with Air. Consequently, the primary features of Vata dosha are cold, dry, and light.

2. Air (Vayu)

Vibrations in the Ether create Vayu. Although Vayu translates directly as Air, this element represents all forces of movement and motion that occur within the universe and within our bodies.

Gravity, moon cycles, tides, winds, thermodynamics, blood circulation, joint movement, and nerve impulses are all a function of Vayu. Some believe that it also manifests as electric energy in the world around us.

This element is connected to the Heart Chakra, also known as the Anahata chakra, which occupies a central place in the Chakra system. It is the energy center for love, compassion, and acceptance in our physical, emotional, and spiritual lives.

When we practice heart opening, we open the gateway to our deepest vulnerabilities. We can connect with Air through sparsha, the sense of touch. Air governs our ability to feel and is closely linked with the skin organ.

The characteristics associated with Air are mobile, dry, light, cold, rough and subtle. Air and Ether combine to form Vata, the strongest Dosha in the body.

3. Fire (Agni)

Ether and Air create the friction necessary for Agni, Fire.

The main functions of the Fire element are transformation, metabolism and digestion. Agni is also believed to be strongly linked with sources of radiant energy, such as the sun or the light from a candle (or, of course, a fire).

The Fire element is connected to the Solar Plexus Chakra, which is responsible for our Agni, otherwise known as digestive fire. The Solar Plexus Chakra, also known as the Manipura Chakra, is the third energy center in the body and the foundation of strength, willpower, vitality, ego and general go-getter energy.

This element is associated with roopa (the sense of vision) and linked to the eyes. Heat, brightness, shine and sharpness are its primary qualities. Fire is also one of the main components of Pitta: the combination of fire and water. The Pitta Dosha is responsible for digestion, metabolism and clarity of thought. Similar to the properties of Agni, Pitta is hot, light, penetrating, and sharp.

4. Water (Jal)

When fire cools, condensation begins to form. The Water element is mainly concerned with transportation. In the body, it manifests as plasma, lymph, blood, urine, and saliva, anything that facilitates the transportation of nutrients and the expulsion of toxins.

It is also linked to the act of reproduction and, as one of the world’s best solvents, associated with chemical energy.

This element is connected to the Sacral Chakra, also known as the  Svadhishthana chakra, and is responsible for creativity, emotional well-being, love and sensuality. Just like bodies of water, we are at our best when we are free flowing, not stagnant or blocked.

Water is associated with rasa, the sense of taste, and is therefore closely linked to the tongue. The qualities associated with Water are liquid, cool, dull, oily and soft. The Kapha Dosha is made up of Earth and Water elements and is characterized by coldness, heaviness, steadiness, softness, and stability.

5. Earth (Prithvi)

Water dries to reveal the solid particles that make up Earth. The main function of Earth is to provide structure. In our body, it manifests as bones, muscle, teeth and other hard structures that give us shape and protection. It is also present in food, shelter and mechanical energy.

Earth governs our sense of smell, gnadha, and is linked to the nose. It also influences the action of excreting waste.

This element is connected to the Root Chakra, also known as the Muladhara chakra, and is responsible for instinctual needs such as food, shelter, survival, and sex. The Earth element is directly linked to our ability to dig in and feel firmly rooted, physically, mentally and spiritually.

The qualities of Earth are heavy, rough, dense, hard and gross. Earth combines with Water to form the Kapha Dosha, which has similar properties.

A simple but super effective way to ground yourself and connect with the Ayurvedic elements is to practice hand mudras.

According to Ayurveda, each finger corresponds with a different tattva (element). As such, when you perform a mudra, your fingertips create an energetic circuit that connects and stimulates the elements.

1. Thumb – represents the Fire element

2. Index Finger – represents the Air element

3. Middle Finger – represents the Ether element

4. Ring Finger – represents the Earth element

5. Pinky Finger – represents the Water element

Mudras are used to direct the body’s energy flow which is the same basis behind yoga, qi gong, reiki, and meditation. Mudras are most typically used during meditation to create certain effects and bring one into a deeper state of harmony. However, they can be used at any point throughout the day as you see fit.

Working with mudras during your meditation practice can help you amplify your intention, gain clarity, and release blockages with ease. You can incorporate these with pranayama techniques that work to extend the breath as well as the life force energy, or prana within you.