Mudras help children focus, relax, and balance.

Mudras (pronounced “moo-drah) are practiced in many places all over the world.  These hand positions are usually practiced with yoga, breathing, relaxation, or meditation, but what is amazing about mudras is they can be practiced anywhere and anytime.

WHAT IS A MUDRA?

Hand symbols or mudras are yoga for your hands. A mudra is a symbol your child makes with their hands and fingers that is believed to seal the energy in the body.  Research shows us that mudras engage certain areas in the brain, creating a brain-body connection.  Different areas of the hands are connected with different areas in the brain and body. When children place their hands in different hand positions or mudras it can activate a certain state of mind.  Therefore, mudras can positively affect how your child feels.  Mudras energize, focus, or calm the body, which make them a great tool for children to help regulate how they are feeling.

WAYS TO PRACTICE  MUDRAS WITH KIDS

The ways to use mudras are limitless. Mudras can be incorporated into yoga poses, breathing exercises, or relaxation.  Instead of electronics, have your children unplug and unwind by practicing mudras. Once they know they  how to do mudras and the benefits they can start to integrate them into their daily lives such as doing a focus mudra under their desk before a test.  Or if they are having a rough day they can do a relaxing mudra to help them chill out.

WHAT DOES A MUDRA LOOK LIKE?

One of my personal favorites is Namaste Hands.  Namaste Hands is simply bringing the palms of the hands together at midline (center of the body).  This mudra is grounding and integrates both sides of the brain. Namaste Hands help with balance and focus.  Holding the hands at heart center when balancing in tree or airplane helps children to balance and is easier than reaching the arms above the head.  It can also be done as a greeting or gesture to begin and end a yoga class. This is also a popular meditating hand position.

Teaching mudras to children helps them to feel empowered, by giving them a simple therapeutic tool they can use in times of stress. Practice them often so instill peace and happiness in your child.