This mudra is often used in yoga and meditation when performing breathing Viloma anulomawhich consists of breathing alternately through the nostrils.
It is named after Vishnu.one of the main deities of Hinduism, who is considered the protector of the universe and is in charge of keeping it in balance.
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For this reason, This mudra is related to universal balance and, of course, its energy influences the personal balance of those who practice it.
It is also known as Prana mudra and it is believed that it can benefit both the mind and the body, by helping to clear the energy channels, also known as nadis.
Vishnu mudra is practiced with the right hand, which symbolizes reception, and to perform it, the index and middle fingers must be curved towards the palm, while the other three fingers remain extended, as seen in the following image.
Anuloma Viloma, or alternate nostril breathing, is one of the most elementary pranayama breathing exercises in yoga, and Vishnu mudra is a key component of this practice.
To perform this type of breathing, the thumb and ring finger rest lightly on each side of the nose. The yogi uses his thumb to close the right nostril while inhaling through the left nostril.
The thumb is then released and the ring finger closes the left nostril so that the yogi exhales through the right nostril. To complete the cycle, the process is reversed with inhalation to the right and exhalation to the left. The following image can help you better understand the process.
This mudra, along with alternate breathing, is believed to help balance the left and right sides of the brain, calm the mind for meditation, oxygenate the cells of the body, improve concentration, and reduce stress.
To learn more about Anuloma Viloma breathing, watch this videoeither:
With information from Yogapedia