A growing number of people nowadays are looking for a way to connect with their “deeper” or “true” selves. People are growing increasingly spiritually inclined, which has led to the widespread adoption of activities that were previously only known by a small number of people. The holistic health advantages of numerous traditional yogic practices like the practice of yoga “Mudras,” are being explained by experienced yogis, sages, and yoga instructors nowadays. These yoga mudras are also taught in yoga classes in Sydney so that you can learn and practice at your home. There are various mudras in yoga and we will discuss 5 mudras beneficial for heart health.
Let’s Talk Heart Health—The Natural Way
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia? According to the Heart Foundation, it claims one Aussie life every 30 minutes. While medication and medical interventions are important, there’s a lot we can do to support heart health naturally—and that’s where yoga comes in.
Now, when people think of yoga, they usually picture downward dog or fancy poses. But yoga also has subtle, powerful tools like mudras—hand gestures that work with your energy channels to support physical and mental health.
Why Stress Is a Bigger Deal Than You Think
Let’s be real—modern life is a bit full-on. Stress, poor sleep, processed food, and sitting for hours are all enemies of a healthy heart. Around 2.5 million Aussies live with high blood pressure, often triggered or worsened by stress.
Mudras help shift your body out of “fight or flight” mode and into a calmer, more balanced state. Just a few minutes a day can help regulate your heartbeat and reduce anxiety—two major wins for your ticker.
What are mudras in yoga?
The term “Mudras” in yoga mainly refers to various hand motions where the tips of the fingers and thumbs are positioned in specific ways to facilitate the flow of panic energy to selected body parts, resulting in balance, healing, and well-being. The five elements that make up our being are symbolised by our fingers and thumbs. The ring finger symbolizes the earth, the little finger represents water, the thumb represents fire, the index finger represents air, the middle finger represents ether, sky, or space, and so on.
- Anjali Mudra (Prayer Pose)
This gesture, which is straightforward but effective, acknowledges the shared divinity that all living things share. To execute this Mudra, we must put our palms together in front of the chest, at the centre of the heart. The thumbs and fingers on our left and right hands should all be pressed together in perfect alignment. By opening our heart chakra, helps us feel emotionally balanced, calms down, and lowers our chance of developing heart-related illnesses.
- Gyan Mudra (Knowledge Pose)
Stretching the other fingers straight and touching the tips of the index and thumb together form the Gyan Mudra. As its name implies, “Gyan Mudra” is thought to stimulate the brain and nerve system, which enhances memory, focus, and concentration. This mudra promotes heart health by lowering mental tension and promoting inner calm, as well as helping people restore focus and clarity.
- Hridaya Mudra (Heart Mudra)
The “Hridaya Mudra” or “Apana Vayu Mudra” involves extending the little finger straight out while touching the base of the thumb with the tips of the index, middle, and ring fingers. In addition to promoting cardiac health and stability to support the best possible functioning of our heart and vascular system, the Apana Vayu mudra regulates the heart’s essential processes, such as pulse and blood flow. This mudra is also known as the “Mritya Sanjeevani Mudra,” and it is thought to be so powerful that it can stop a heart attack if it is performed during one.
- Surya Mudra or Agni Mudra
The “Surya Mudra” is made by placing both hands’ ring fingers at the base of the thumb and applying pressure with the thumb on the ring finger. The remaining three fingers remain straight out. The direct effects of thyroid hormones on blood vessels, cholesterol, and heart health are not widely recognized. The “Surya Mudra” increases the thyroid gland’s metabolic activity, which lowers harmful cholesterol levels and lowers the chance of heart blockage.
- Prana Mudra (Vitality Pose)
An energetic movement that improves the life force’s flow throughout the body is the Prana Mudra. It improves cardiovascular health and resilience by revitalizing the entire system, which includes the heart and lungs. With the first two fingers extended, we make this mudra by touching the tips of the ring and little fingers to the tip of the thumb. You can learn all these mudras in online yoga classes as well.
How Mudras Support Emotional Heart Healing
Beyond the physical, the heart is also the centre of our emotions. Grief, anger, loneliness, or heartbreak can leave deep imprints. Certain mudras like Hridaya Mudra (Heart Gesture) are known for opening the emotional heart, releasing stored pain, and helping you feel more grounded and connected.
In yogic philosophy, the Anahata chakra (heart chakra) is all about love, compassion and emotional balance. Practising heart-related mudras regularly helps keep this energy centre healthy and flowing.
Small Daily Habits Make a Big Difference
You don’t have to overhaul your whole lifestyle to support your heart. Adding a couple of mudras to your morning routine or evening wind-down can be a gentle, powerful start. Combine it with a few stretches or a calming yoga flow, and your heart will thank you—today and in the long run.
Final Thoughts: Your Heart Deserves Daily TLC
Mudras may seem simple, but their impact runs deep. At Yoga with Yogi, we love helping people explore these ancient tools in a modern, approachable way. Whether you’re dealing with stress, high blood pressure, or just want to care for your heart more mindfully, mudras are a great place to start.
Ready to learn the mudras in action? Join our next yoga session online or explore our heart-focused yoga classes right here.
