आदि मुद्रा
Adi (first) + Mudra (seal)
Adi Mudra Definition
Adi Mudra is a Sanskrit term referring to a hasta gesture (a gesture performed with hands and fingers). It is known as the “first gesture,” or “primal seal,” and looks like a fist. Like all mudras, its purpose is to guide energy flows to certain parts of the body.
Adi means “first” or “primal.”
Mudra means “gesture” or “seal.”
It is so named because it is the first hand gesture that comes naturally to humans in the womb and as infants.
Adi Mudra Deep Dive
In yogic philosophy, our bodies are comprised of the Pancha Boohta, the five basic elements, and each finger is said to represent one of those elements.
Therefore, hasta mudras can influence the flow of energy through our bodies during meditation, pranayama, and other yogic practices.
Adi mudra is unique – and perhaps appropriately known as the primordial mudra – because it connects all the fingers and the thumb.
It’s a simple mudra to perform. Simply – and consciously – make a fist. Begin by opening your hand and then placing your thumb across the palm of your hand so that the tip of your thumb is at the base of your pinky finger. Wrap your fingers over and around your thumb, ensuring all your fingers make contact with your thumb. The fist should not be too tight.
The effect of combining all of your fingers and their corresponding elements is mainly balance and stability, as the thumb’s fire energy transforms the other elements. And the thumb’s connection with the base of the pinky (fire touching water) expands energy flow, particularly in the upper body and udana vayu, between the heart and head.
The nervous system becomes relaxed, and the mind quietened.Your breath deepens and oxygen flow increases, resulting in heightened mental clarity and concentration.
Other reported benefits include the prevention of snoring, helping you fall asleep, and aiding digestion.
Adi Mudra in Your Life
Beginners and experienced yoga practitioners can benefit from Adi mudra.
If you are new to yoga and/or mudras, you may want to begin by sitting up straight in a comfortable position. You can even do this in a chair. Make the mudra with both hands and place your hands palms-down on your thighs. Hold the mudra for 30-90 seconds. Tune into your breath, the expansion in your chest, and the feeling in your hands. Notice how you are feeling.
If you attend yoga classes or practice meditation you may be using Adi mudra more often, and holding it longer during seated meditations (in sukhasana, vajrasana, or padmasana, for example) or during pranayama, especially in kundalini yoga. During movement-based sessions you may encounter Adi mudra during tadasasana, vrksasana, and savasana.
In everyday life, whether at work, at home, traveling – wherever – experiment with this mudra and see how it works for you. Many practitioners notice that first deep breath they take after closing their fists, even after a few seconds. As the first mudra you ever made, this “primal gesture” should be a familiar friend on your yoga journey.
To go deep and expand your yogic knowledge, access our free Yoga Terms Encyclopedia, where we host a profound wealth of ancient and timeless yogic wisdom in an accessible modern format.
