The 5 Elements, Mudras & Chakras In The Physical Body
The Five Element Theory
The five element theory is that our bodies are made up of the 5 elements: Fire, air, ether (space), earth and water. The model says that the five elements are always with us, and that the balance between them changes from person to person and at every stage of the day.
Each element is associated with a different chakra, or wheel of energy in the body. Each element is also associated with a particular finger in yoga and Ayurvedic medicine. Regular practice of a yoga mudra/hand gestures [10-20 minutes per day in a meditative seat] can increase a certain element in the body and decrease another and so balance these elements and your mind and body.
In our June Yoga Journey we are going ot be exploring the 5 Elements and their associated Mudras and Chakras Then we can really assess what our bodies require on a particular day, as we become more mindful about what we really need and how we want to feel.
The 5 Elements and 5 Five Fingers & Associated Mudras & Chakras
The Fire Element – Agni – Manipura Chakra
The thumb is associated with the fire element, Agni and Manipura Chakra in the Solar Plexus. [Think warmth, sun, solar, solar plexus]. Fire represents: Prana, life force, energy, strength, the sun, vitality, masculinity, enthusiasm, intellect, ambition, heat and power. In excess the fire element can represent: Danger, anger, fury and fear. It can be a powerful stimulant and keep the mind buzzing. But equally we all need the fire element within us to boost the immune system and keep the metabolism strong. Fire is connected to transformation and change, burning impurities in the body.
Fire Mudra/ Sun Mudra/ Surya Mudra
To balance and to increase the fire element in the body try: Sun Mudra/ Surya Mudra/ Fire Mudra. Here the thumb is dominant and presses down the forth fingers that curl and bend in towards the base of the thumbs. The thumbs rest on the ring finger knuckles. The other fingers are long and relaxed.
To decrease the fire element in the body use: Earth Mudra/ Prithvi. Where the thumbs press mildly into the tips of the forth fingers.
The Air Element – Vayu – Anahata Chakra
The index finger is related to Vayu/the Air element. The air is breath, Prana, life force, freedom, lightness, movement, rhythm, and connection. In excess it can cause instability, anxiety, weakness, disassociation and disorientation. The air element is related to Anahata Chakra, the heart chakra.
Vayu Mudra
The Air Element Mudra, Vayu, can balance the air element; so is good to relieve excess gas, joint pain, bloating and abdominal discomfort – basically all Vayu related issues. You simply connect the thumb to the knuckle of the index finger and the index finger curls and bends down to the base of the thumb. Ensure there is comfort and no strain here.
Prana Mudra
Prana Mudra also works well, and is associated with the heart chakra and the air element. See our News for more details. Read more.
The Ether/Space Element – Akash – Vishuddha Chakra
The middle finger is connected to Ether and Space/ Akash and Vishuddha Chakra, the throat chakra. Ether is openness, eternity, stillness, endless possibilities, clarity, light, our voice and ability to speak. It creates space for the other elements to fill. In excess we can feel empty and unsettled, insecure and unconnected.
Akasha Mudra/ Ether Mudra or Shuni or Shoonya Mudra
This Mudra is formed by joining the tip of the thumb and the tip of the middle finger, while keeping the other three fingers straight and relaxed. This mudra helps to control the Ether element within us. It also controls high blood pressure, reduces dullness in the body, and can remove anger and fear. Essentially it balances the space within the body. This hand gesture is used to improve intuition and alertness and sensory powers. It can also make your thoughts purer and your emotions balanced and steady.
The Earth Element – Prithvi – Muladhara Chakra
The forth/ ring finger is associated with the Earth element and the base chakra, Muladhara chakra. The Earth element is all about our connection with our physical bodies, the earth element within us and the planet Earth we are connected to. It is related to our connection and roots, feeling grounded, down to earth, stable, secure, well-rooted; being earthed to our centre. It’s concerned with finding ourselves, and connecting with our primal instincts: food, shelter, reproduction – our basic needs and desire for survival. Too much of the Earth element can make us feel heavy, dull and lacking in energy or lazy.
Regular practice of a grounding Prithvi/Earth Mudra practice can: Ground you; make you feel, “Down to Earth,” make the body and mind more stable and concentrated; increase the earth element in the body; allows us to feel safe and secure, allaying feelings of anxiety and insecurity; increases strength in the body; and allows us to connect with the body and notice how we feel, making us more mindful and aware of the health of our bodies. So if you are feeling a little wobbly, have been travelling by plane or just feel a little unbalanced, an Earth Mudra may be for you.
Earth Mudra
Our Mudra is Earth Mudra/Prithivi/Prithvi Mudra, pressing thumbs to the forth fingers, and keeping the other fingers straight but not rigid.
If you would like more information about this mudra please see our yoga news page.
The Water Element – Jal/Jala – Swadhisthana Chakra
The water element/Jala is associated with the little finger and Swadhisthana Chakra/ The Sacral chakra. When you think of water you think of flow, softness, fluidity, flexibility, movement, curiosity.
Water/ Varun/Buddhi Mudra
The Varun Mudra/ Buddhi Mudra or Water Element Mudra is known as the seal of mental clarity. The thumb presses lightly into the little finger. The other fingers are straight but not rigid. It symbolises openness and fluid communication. It can also activate the salivary glands, giving us a watery mouth; and moistens dry skin and eyes.
Feedback
If you are able to connect with the elements in the body, please let me know how you feel.
Faye x
*This blog is inspired by Ade Belcham’s wonderful and interesting article in the BWY Spectrum p.28 Autumn 2019, thank you.