Do you find it difficult to get to sleep at night? Even though you know you are tired.  Shakti Mudra is said to help relieve menstrual cramps in women as well as insomnia.  Its helps to increase respiration in the lower part of your chest creating a calming effect on the body. Sounds great especially if you've had a long day, working, doing chores or simply navigating public transport!  Try this Mudra after a long day when you need to wind down after all the hustle and bustle of the day in the city. 

Here are some tips on Shakiti Mudra...

• Join the tips of your two pinky fingers to each other.
• Join the tips of your two ring fingers together.
• Fold your thumbs into the palms.
• Gently fold the index fingers and middle fingers over the thumbs.
• Take deep smooth breaths.
• Focus on the pelvic area and lower abdomen.
• Lengthen your exhalations.
• Practice for around 10 minutes or until you start to feel the body start to relax.
• Zzzzzzzzzz....

Have you tried this Mudra, did you feel any effects on your body, mind and soul. Let us know in the comments below. 
Until next time, Lots of Love
Hana & Aya

It's pretty common in a Yoga class that at some point, you bring your hand into certain Hand Mudras such as Chin Mudra(thumbs and first fingers joined) or Anjali Mudra (prayer position).  Hand Mudras are used during Asana practice as well in dance, mediation and prayer. They help channel energy, arouse a certain state of mind or create  a certain nuance.But did you know when you are deep in thought or concentrating you may naturally bring your hands into a mudra? Have a look around at your co workers or people on your commute that are deep in thought and notice what they are doing with their hands. 

Hakini Mudra is well known to aid concentration, focus and improve brain power by helping to bring together the right and left sides of the brain. I actually learned about this Hand Mudra before I started practicing Yoga while at Dance college. Our Ballet teacher taught us some 'Brain Gym' to help us focus and improve our technique which is pretty cool. 

Here are some tips on Hakini Mudra...

• Join the tips of your fingers of your right hand to your left hand.
• Keep your palms seperated.
• Do Hakini Mudra anywhere.
• Use it when trying to remember something.
• Use it when you need to focus. 
• Focus on the third eye area (the point between the eyebrows) as you do this Mudra.
• Try placing the thumbs at the third eye area, centre of the chest or lower down, maybe under the table at a meeting!