Shunya mudra or Akash Shamak also called the Heaven Mudra
The name Shunya Mudra comes from the Sanskrit language, where Shunya means “zero”, “emptiness”, “void”, or “spaciousness”. This mudra helps to hear the hidden sounds of nature or Anahata sounds, which are heard in the process of the different paths of yoga.
This sound shows that the Nadis (which energise the subtle or astral body) or Prana flows are getting purified.
Also Anahata is the mystic sounds heard by the Yogi at the beginning of his journey of meditation. By regular practice of Shunya mudra, you’ll be able to hear Anahata sounds (or the melody) during your meditation session.
What is Shunya Mudra?
This mudra decreases the space element (akasha) in the body. It is practiced to reduce the imbalance that arises from excess of Akash element in the body. The middle finger symbolises the Ether or space surrounding all creation. The thumb symbolises the fire element in the body.
How to do the Shunya Mudra:
Sit in a comfortable meditative posture i.e. Sukhasana, Vajrasana, Padmasana or you can sit on a chair.
Keep your eyes closed and take deep breaths calming your mind and body and in turn stimulating the prana in the body.
Fold your middle finger and press the middle finger with your thumb and straighten the rest of the fingers.
Place your hands on your thighs just above your knees with your palms facing the sky.
Benefits of Shunya Mudra:
- This mudra is excellent in dealing with hearing-related issues, like tinnitus. Also for genetic disorders of hearing.
- It helps handle travel sickness and vertigo related issues.
- It is very helpful for throat related illness and in the case of thyroid.
- This mudra stimulates the heart chakra, which governs communication, self-expression, truth, and purification.
- It helps alleviate numbness in any part of your body as this mudra increase and improves circulation
- Shunya mudra is also known to benefit eternal elements.
- Its regular practice awakens intuition in a person.
- Willpower is strengthened by its regular practice.
- Shunya mudra can be helpful for those who suffer from aggravated Vata dosha. And the dosha associated with the nervous system and waste elimination.
Contraindications:
- This mudra should not be done when there is a weakness in the body.
- Do not do this mudra immediately before or after having food.
- Sitting in calmness and concentrating on doing Sunhya mudra is more beneficial.
- Discontinue this mudra after getting cured from a specific ailment as excessive practice of it can decrease the space element of the body.