Yoga Mudra Pose, the Symbol of Yoga

Yoga Mudra pose is called the symbol of yoga because the head symbolically bows to the heart, surrendering the ego of the mind to the wisdom of the heart.

Yoga Mudra (clasping the hands behind the back, stretching the hands away from the heart, and forward folding), can be done in many of the yoga poses, including standing postures, seated postures, back bends and more.

Standing Yoga Mudra pose is a forward bending posture that opens the shoulders, the pectorals, and since it is a forward bend, you will stretch the hamstrings as well.  Yoga Mudra Pose inverts the body, this greatly benefits the circulatory and immune system.

If your back is sensitive, keep your knees bent as you enter and exit the pose.

Tips for Yoga Mudra

• For warm-up: Extend your arms out to the side in what’s called “T-position” or “star pose.”  The feet are shoulder width apart in mountain pose.
• With your arms spread out wide to the sides, feel the sensation of rolling the thumbs back as you turn palms face up.  Feel your collar bones spread and the low shoulders blades roll down and in together on your back.
• Now relax the arms down to the sides.
• Then try to clasp  hands behind your back.  At 1st, keep your elbows bent.
• If you can, let the palms of the hands touch as you hold your hands behind your back.   Then straighten your arms from the elbows to the hands while keeping the hands together behind the back.
• Inhale and stand tall, fill up to the rim of the chest with breath.
• Exhale to fold forward over the legs, draw your navel in and hinge from the top of the thighs.  (Remember! Knees can stay bent if you have tight hamstrings)

Explore the effects of yoga mudra on your mind, body, and spirit.  This posture opens the heart and our ability to give and receive love.