Mudra For Headache Relief: Mahasirs Mudra

We’ve all experienced headaches due to numerous reasons like stress, dehydration, poor sleep and diet. Oftentimes, we may get a headache without even knowing why. Mudra for headache relief can be practiced to provide relief in these situations.

What is a Mudra?

Mudras or hand gestures, are ways of channeling energy. The type of hand gesture used can vary according to purpose. Mudras are used as tools for transmitting energy for specific purposes like healing illnesses. You can perform mudras in combination with other meditative practices and pranayama.

According to yogic principles, all diseases are due to an imbalance in our body, of one of the 5 elements: space, air, fire, water and earth. Each of these elements play a specific role in our body, which is represented by 5 fingers:

1. The Thumb - Fire
2. The Forefinger - Wind
3. The Middle Finger- Ether
4. The Ring Finger- Earth
5. The Little Finger - Water

Through mudras we can activate specific neural electrical circuits in our fingers to facilitate healing. That is why, practicing Mahasirs Mudra for headache can provide relief from pain and tension.

Mahasirs Mudra for Headache:

Mahasirs mudra is translated as the “Gesture of the Great Head”. “Maha” means great, “Siris” means head and “mudra” means gesture. If you have frequent headaches due to emotional stress and tension, practicing this mudra can release this excess energy. If you suffer from migraines, sinus headaches or tension headaches, this mudra can provide significant relief.

How to perform Mahasirs Mudra:

1. To perform this mudra, you can sit in a meditative position or comfortably on a chair.
2. Start by taking a few deep breaths, relaxing the whole body.
3. Place hands on thighs with palms facing upside.
4. Touch together the tip of the thumb, index and middle finger.
5. Curl the ring finger such that it touches the base of your thumb.
6. Extend the little finger and keep it straight.
7. Hold this mudra with both hands, and rest your hands on your thighs.
8. Gently close your eyes and try to bring awareness to your breath
9. Take deep, slow and controlled breaths.
10. Try to bring your focus to releasing any tension you may feel in your head, neck and shoulders.
    

You can stay in this mudra for 30-40 minutes or for as long as you feel comfortable. You can also practice it in multiple sessions of 10-15 minutes each. You can also practice this mudra at the end of your yoga or pranayama session.

Benefits of Mahasirs Mudra:

• Headache and migraine relief

Whenever you are dealing with a headache, this mudra helps by releasing tension and balancing the flow of energy in the head region.

• Reduced stress and tension

When you practice this mudra, it has a calming effect on your nervous system. Activating the “rest and digest” response. Which helps in releasing the accumulated stress and physical tension in the head, neck and jaw region.

• Relief from sinus congestion

According to Ayurveda, an imbalance of vata and kapha dosha can lead to mucus congestion. When you perform this mudra, it balances the 3 dosha, releasing congestion and providing you relief from sinus headaches.

• Increased concentration and mental clarity

While practicing mahasirs mudra, your mind gets connected to your body in the present moment which can help you reach a deep meditative state and increase mental clarity.

• Eye strain relief

When you practice Mahasirs mudra, the nerves connected to your eyes are also relaxed. It also provides a soothing effect to your eye muscles. You can practice Mahasirs mudra for headache relief daily for a few minutes. It is best to perform this mudra early in the morning, right after you wake up. If not possible, perform this mudra in the evening. Carefully follow the steps of performing Mahasirs mudra, as it may lead to mental overstimulation or finger strain when performed incorrectly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. Which mudra to practice for headache relief?

You can practice Mahasirs mudra for headache relief. This mudra is appropriately known as the “Gesture of the Great Head”

Q2. How do mudra for headache work?

Mudra works by aligning the energy of 5 elements. It is this disbalance in energy which is a cause of disease. It balances the flow of prana (life force energy) in the body.

Q3. Can Mahasirs Mudra be practiced lying down?

Yes, this mudra can be practiced while lying down. Practicing this mudra lying in a comfortable position can provide deep relaxation.

Q4. Is there any other mudra for headache relief?

Yes, alongside Mahasirs mudra, you can also practice Prana mudra, Sahasrara mudra and Gyan mudra.

Q5. What causes headache according to Ayurveda?

According to ayurveda, whenever vatta and pitta doshas are imbalanced in your body. Not sleeping enough, overthinking and stress can trigger vata headaches. Excessive sun exposure, eating oily or spicy foods can trigger a pitta type headache.