Hansi Mudra (Inner Smile Mudra) is a hand
gesture practice that focuses on balancing the udana vayu in the
body. Hence, this mudra is also called the Udana Vayu Mudra. Also, as the
name suggests, Inner Smile means to be happy and content, referring to it
as Laugher Mudra. Here, smile/laughter signifies the state of mind to be
calm and happy internally and externally. This mudra is done with the tips of
all the fingers (except the little finger) touching the tip of the thumb. With
each finger representing an element, the little finger representing water remains
balanced and untouched.
Udana Vayu is one of five types of pancha
vayus (as explained in Ayurveda), and the role of this prana is
the energy moves upwards from the diaphragm to the throat. It is said that this
vayu is located in the thorax region and helps in speech and
communication. When this vayu is in imbalance (too little or too much),
the practice of Udana Vayu Mudra (Hansi Mudra) can help in better utilization
of the vayu. An imbalance of this vayu can bring inefficiency in the physical
body due to breathing troubles, inability to express freely, or the communication
and expressions can be strong, etc. With balance in this vayu with the support
of the hasta mudra - Udana Vayu Muda, the practitioner can see a remarkable
change in their behavior, like acceptance, confidence, clear thoughts, and
communication. Udaya Vayu is said to be responsible for the happy hormone
- serotonin. Hence, it is also called inner
smile mudra, and the happy hormone can be stimulated with the practice of this
mudra. The practice of Inner Smile Mudra (Hansi Mudra) encourages the upward
movement of the prana, which sets a path toward spirituality and higher
consciousness. At the physical level, it energizes the brain with the flow
of prana with positive thoughts and emotions, leading to deeper
happiness and contentment. This mudra creates an awareness of the Anandamaya
Kosha. It is an anti-depressant and is ideal for patients with anxiety and
Depression.
Anatomy
Inner Smile Mudra benefits the following muscles
and hence can be included in yoga sequences with the corresponding muscle(s)
focus:
Categories
Inner Smile Mudra belongs to the following
categories:
Mudras
Inner Smile Mudra yoga sequences
Inner Smile Mudra is commonly found in the
following types of yoga sequences:
Inner Smile Mudra Benefits
Thoracic, Chest, Diaphragm, and Lungs: The
practice of Inner Smile Mudra, also referred to as Udana Vayu Mudra, involves
the movement of udana vayu in the upward direction - which is at the
chest, diaphragm and throat. Hence, it is also responsible for the better
functioning of the respiratory system, encouraging better immunity. The holding
of the fingers in this hand gesture ensures the flow of udaya vayu is
channelized upwards, which also ensures the efficient use of the lungs with the
upward flow of the vayu.
Chakra and Stimulation: The upward flow of the
vayu moves from the navel to the heart and from the heart towards the throat
and upwards to the brain. Since the practice of Udana Mudra (Inner Smile Mudra)
encourages the smooth flow of prana upwards and as it passes through
the throat (larynx), it is also said to stimulate the Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra). The
stimulation of this chakra is said to improve one’s speech, easy communication
with clear thoughts, improved confidence, clear expressions of emotions, etc.
Thus, the practice of this mudra brings balance to this chakra, and an
additional benefit can be gained if yoga teachers also include the practice
of inversion yoga poses regularly, before
the practice of this mudra. By activating the larynx, students who want to
improve their singing skills can also benefit from this mudra.
Metabolism and Immunity: With the proper
channelizing of the prana, with the practice of Udana Mudra, the thymus
and thyroid gland are also stimulated. The Thymus Gland ensures better
immunity, whereas the thyroid gland regulates the body’s metabolism.
Internal and External Happiness: As the name
suggests, Inner Smile Mudra (Hansi Mudra), when practiced regularly and with
proper guidance, is said to bring a deep sense of inner happiness that can
either come when one is happy externally, or it could also be the other way -
from the deep inner happiness one finds happiness externally too. When this
deep inner happiness is achieved, there is unconditional love, joy, and peace
with no room for illusions. At this stage, one is said to be physically and
emotionally in a state of bliss. Through this state, one can progress
towards spirituality - the true essence of yoga!
Therapy and Healing: Since the practice of Inner
Smile Mudra (Udana Vayu Mudra / Laughter Mudra) stimulates the chest and
throat, students who have issues related to asthma and allergies, can benefit from
this practice. Deep breathing focuses on channeling the flow of prana in
the direction of the chest and throat. This helps with clearing the nasal
passages and keeping allergies away. When the throat is stimulated, students
with thyroid issues or those who are recovering from thyrodectomy can also be encouraged to
practice Hansi Mudra. Those who often suffer from throat infections can be
introduced to the practice of this mudra, ensuring the same is done regularly
and for about 30 minutes in each round.
Others: Hansi Mudra or Udana Vayu Mudra, the
practice of the same helps to boost the brain with positive flow of prana that
impacts the state of mind. The mind is calmer and alert, which also helps to
have clear thoughts, keeping one away from stress, tension, and anxiety. It
helps improve and stimulate the creative side of the brain, thereby bringing
balance between both sides. At a higher level, this mudra, when done regularly,
promotes wisdom and also awakens the kundalini (coiled-up energy),
setting a path towards spirituality. This mudra creates an awareness of
the Anandamaya Kosha. It is an anti-depressant and is ideal for patients with
anxiety and Depression.
Given below are the step-by-step instructions to
follow for the practice on Inner Smile Mudra (Hansi Mudra), also called Udana
Mudra:
Start in any comfortable seated or meditative
posture. Ensure your spine is straight and the neck relaxed. Place the hands on
your thighs or knee, with the palms facing up. Close your eyes and take a few
deep, relaxed breaths here.
Take a few moments to observe the state of mind,
your thoughts, and mental chatter. Stay detached from it as you continue to be
aware and observe your breath.
Bring awareness to the palms, prepare to adopt
Inner Smile Mudra. First, bring the middle finger and let the top of it touch
the tip of your thumb at the center. Next, bend the index finger and place it
on the outside corner of the thumb’s tip. Lastly, place the ring finger on the
inside corner of your thumb’s tip.
On the right-hand side, the position will be:
Index finger (right side of the thumb), middle finger (center of the thumb),
and ring finger (left side of the thumb).
On the left-hand side, the position will be:
Index finger (left side of the thumb), middle finger (center of the thumb), and
ring finger (right side of the thumb).
The little finger of both hands remains straight
and extended towards the front.
Hold the mudra for a few, about 10 minutes, to
start while in a meditative posture. Be aware of your thoughts, mental chatter,
and state of mind. You will feel a sense of contentment wash over you. Observe
this with detachment.
To release the mudra, gently spread the fingers and let go of the thumb. Open your eyes, and you may notice that you’re smiling.
