Pushan Mudra is one of the most therapeutic and scientifically recognized hand mudras in yoga. Known for its ability to enhance digestion, balance the nervous system, regulate energy flow and promote emotional stability, this mudra is widely practiced across the world.

In traditional yogic texts, mudras are described as “gestures that redirect energy flow within the body.” Pushan Mudra specifically governs the digestive fire (Agni) and supports the functioning of the solar plexus, making it a transformative practice for anyone struggling with digestive discomfort, stress-related eating disorders, or sluggish metabolism.

At Gurukul Yogashala, a traditional yoga school in rishikesh, Pushan Mudra is taught both in yoga teacher training in rishikesh and therapeutic healing sessions to help students understand its deep physiological and energetic benefits.

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What Is Pushan Mudra? (Meaning & Yogic Context)

The word Pushan in Sanskrit means “the nourisher”, referring to the Vedic deity Pushan, who governs the digestive system, nourishment, and solar energy.

Pushan Mudra is a two-handed mudra, where each hand performs a slightly different gesture. This unique configuration helps the body manage both:

Assimilation of nutrients
Elimination of waste and toxins

Because of this dual action, Pushan Mudra is often referred to as the “digestive mudra” or “mudra for metabolism and gut health.”

It is commonly practiced during:

Yoga therapy sessions
Pranayama
Meditation
Stress-relief practices
Post-meal relaxation
Cleansing kriyas
Weight-loss programs

How to Do Pushan Mudra (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Pushan Mudra uses different fingers on each hand because digestion has two phases—receiving and eliminating.

Position for the Right Hand (Receiving Phase)

This gesture supports the intake of nutrients and stimulates digestive energy.

Touch the index finger (Jupiter) and middle finger (Saturn) to the thumb
Keep the ring finger and little finger extended

Position for the Left Hand (Elimination Phase)

This gesture activates the removal of waste from the body.

Touch the middle finger and ring finger to the thumb
Keep the index finger and little finger extended

Body Position

Sit comfortably in Sukhasana, Vajrasana, Padmasana, or on a chair
Keep the spine upright
Rest your hands on the knees
Close your eyes
Breathe deeply (preferably deep belly breathing)

Duration

Minimum: 5 minutes
Therapeutic practice: 10–20 minutes
For chronic digestive issues: 2–3 sessions a day

Pushan Mudra Benefits

Pushan Mudra impacts the digestive system, nervous system, and energy channels (Nadis).

1. Improves Digestion Naturally

This mudra stimulates the solar plexus, digestive organs, and digestive enzymes.
It helps with:

Indigestion
Bloating
Gas
Slow metabolism
IBS

This is why many students at Gurukul Yogashala practice it after yogic meals during yoga teacher training in Rishikesh.

2. Boosts Metabolism and Gut Fire (Agni)

According to Ayurveda, weak digestive fire leads to:

Toxins (Ama) buildup
Weight gain
Sluggishness
Emotional heaviness

Pushan Mudra activates the Manipura Chakra and strengthens metabolic fire.

3. Pushan Mudra for Digestion & Gut Health

This is the most important and well-known benefit.

It helps regulate:

Stomach acid
Intestinal movement
Bile secretion
Enzyme release
Nutrient absorption

Perfect for individuals who experience discomfort after meals.

4. Pushan Mudra for Weight Loss

Weight gain often comes from:

Slow digestion
Stress eating
Emotional imbalance
Hormonal fluctuations
Poor metabolic function

By strengthening digestion and relaxing the nervous system, this mudra indirectly supports healthy, natural weight loss.

5. Relieves Nausea, Vomiting & Travel Sickness

Pushan Mudra calms the stomach and reduces discomfort during:

Motion sickness
Dizziness
Acid reflux
Post-meal heaviness

6. Reduces Stress & Anxiety

The mudra activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting:

Calmness
Clarity of mind
Emotional grounding
Balanced energy

7. Improves Breath Quality During Pranayama

Pushan Mudra pairs beautifully with:

Dirgha Pranayama
Nadi Shodhana
Ujjayi
Bhastrika (advanced)

It enhances breath awareness and increases oxygen flow.

8. Harmonizes Prana Vayu and Apana Vayu

These two vital energies govern:

Digestive strength
Gut movement
Circulation
Mental clarity

Balancing these two creates emotional stability and physical wellness.

The Science Behind Pushan Mudra

From a physiological viewpoint, Pushan Mudra works through:

Neuromuscular stimulation

Touching specific fingers activates nerve pathways that influence digestion.

Vagus nerve activation

This nerve controls heart rate, digestion, and relaxation.

Improved diaphragmatic breathing

Better oxygenation supports metabolic processes.

Hormonal balance

Reduces cortisol (stress hormone) → better digestion.

Enhanced blood circulation

Supports organ functioning.

Medical research shows that mudras may influence the brain’s electrical activity, supporting therapeutic outcomes.

This is why traditional yoga schools in Rishikesh, such as Gurukul Yogashala, teach Pushan Mudra as part of yogic therapy and lifestyle programs.

When Should You Practice Pushan Mudra?

It is especially recommended:

After meals
Before meditation
During stress or anxiety
When experiencing stomach discomfort
Before sleep
During long travel
With pranayama sessions

Performing it 30 minutes after eating helps digestion significantly.

Who Should Avoid Pushan Mudra? (Contraindications)

Pushan Mudra is very safe, but caution is needed if:

You have diarrhea
You are extremely dehydrated
You have serious gastrointestinal disorders (consult your doctor)
You feel dizzy during practice
You recently underwent abdominal surgery

Pregnant women can practice it but under the guidance of a trained yoga teacher.

Pushan Mudra in Yoga Philosophy

According to yogic texts, Pushan Mudra activates the Manipura Chakra—the center of:

Power
Confidence
Digestion
Transformation

A healthy Manipura Chakra improves:

Self-esteem
Decision-making
Motivation

Thus Pushan Mudra supports not just physical digestion, but emotional digestion as well.

Pushan Mudra & The Five Prana Vayus (Advanced Yogic Insight)

In traditional Hatha Yoga, the body is governed by five major pranic forces called Pancha Prana Vayu. Each Vayu controls a different physiological and energetic function.

Pushan Mudra is unique because it influences two major Vayus simultaneously:

1. Samana Vayu (Digestive Fire & Assimilation)

Located in the navel region, Samana Vayu governs:

Digestion
Absorption
Metabolic heat
Distribution of nutrients

Pushan Mudra strengthens this Vayu, stabilizing the digestive system and enhancing the body’s ability to assimilate food, energy, and even thoughts.

2. Apana Vayu (Elimination & Detoxification)

Anchored in the pelvic region, Apana Vayu governs:

Elimination of waste
Menstrual flow
Reproductive balance
Detoxification

Pushan Mudra stimulates Apana Vayu, helping the body cleanse toxins and maintain regular bowel movements.

Why this is important?

Because balanced Samana + Apana results in:

Healthy digestion
Regular detoxification
Stable emotions
Strong immunity
Clarity of mind

No other hand gesture works so precisely with these two systems simultaneously.

This is why in the advanced sessions at Gurukul Yogashala, Pushan Mudra is taught as a therapeutic yogic tool, not just a mudra.

The Psychology Behind Pushan Mudra

Modern psychology agrees that digestion and emotions are deeply connected because of the gut–brain axis.
Pushan Mudra helps regulate this connection in the following ways:

1. Reduces Stress-Triggered Digestive Issues

Stress often causes:

Heartburn
Constipation
Loose motions
IBS
Stomach knots

Pushan Mudra activates the parasympathetic system (rest-and-digest mode) that calms the brain and stomach simultaneously.

2. Improves Emotional Digestion

According to yogic philosophy, the solar plexus (Manipura) is the center for:

Willpower
Confidence
Decision-making
Emotional processing

Pushan Mudra helps one “digest” emotional experiences—especially grief, fear, anger, guilt, and anxiety.

3. Healing for People With Emotional Eating

People who eat due to:

Anxiety
Stress
Loneliness
Overwhelm

benefit deeply from Pushan Mudra.
It creates emotional grounding and reduces cravings.

Therapists often pair it with mindful breathing for deeper healing.

Pushan Mudra & Ayurveda

Pushan Mudra is highly recommended in Ayurveda for balancing:

Vata Dosha

Vata aggravation causes:

Gas
Bloating
Irregular digestion
Constipation
Anxiety

Pushan Mudra calms Vata and stabilizes nervous energy.

Kapha Dosha

Kapha aggravation causes:

Sluggish digestion
Slow metabolism
Weight gain
Emotional heaviness
Lethargy

Pushan Mudra stimulates Agni (digestive fire), helping the body burn fat and eliminate toxins.

Mild effect on Pitta

While it aids digestion, it does not overheat the body.
This makes it safe for Pitta-dominant people as well.

At Gurukul Yogashala, students are trained to pair Pushan Mudra with:

Herbal teas
Ayurvedic detox routines
Yogic diet
Pranayama
Meditation

This holistic integration enhances the mudra’s benefits significantly.

Pushan Mudra for Yogic Lifestyle & Ayurveda

Ayurveda teaches that digestion is the root of all health. Pushan Mudra:

Increases digestive fire (Agni)
Reduces toxins (Ama)
Balances Vata and Kapha dosha
Supports good metabolism

It is widely used in Yogic Therapy and Ayurvedic healing.

FAQs About Pushan Mudra

1. What is Pushan Mudra?

Pushan Mudra is a yogic hand gesture that supports digestion, metabolism, and energy balance through different finger positions on each hand.

2. How long should I practice Pushan Mudra?

5–20 minutes per session. You can practice it multiple times a day.

3. Can Pushan Mudra help with digestion?

Yes! It is one of the best mudras for digestion, bloating, gas, slow metabolism, and post-meal discomfort.

4. Does Pushan Mudra help in weight loss?

Indirectly yes—by improving digestion, metabolism, and reducing emotional eating tendencies.

5. Can beginners practice Pushan Mudra?

Absolutely. It is simple, safe, and effective for beginners.

6. Can I practice it after eating?

Yes, this is the most beneficial time to practice.

7. Is Pushan Mudra safe during pregnancy?

Generally yes, but pregnant women should practice under expert guidance.

8. What is Pushan Mudra used for in yoga?

For digestion, energizing Manipura Chakra, improving pranayama, healing stress, and balancing the body’s energies.

Conclusion: Why Learn Mudras Like Pushan Mudra at Gurukul Yogashala

Pushan Mudra is a powerful yet simple yogic technique that improves digestion, enhances metabolic fire, reduces stress, balances energy flow, and supports weight loss naturally. When practiced consistently, it strengthens both physical and emotional wellbeing.

At Gurukul Yogashala, an authentic yoga school in rishikesh, students learn Pushan Mudra as part of a complete yogic lifestyle that combines:

Traditional philosophy
Ayurveda
Pranayama
Yogic therapy
Authentic teaching methods

Whether you join a short course or enroll in the 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, you will gain deep expertise and practical understanding of yogic mudras, breathwork, and therapeutic healing. Gurukul Yogashala’s programs are ideal for anyone seeking comprehensive yoga teacher training in Rishikesh rooted in ancient wisdom and real-world experience.