Apana Vayu Mudra: The Heart Mudra

Mudras 3 illustrations Updated 2 Nov 2026

Apana vayu mudra combines two gestures in one hand: the pointer bends into the thumb root (borrowed from vayu mudra), the two central fingers rest on the thumb tip (borrowed from apana mudra), and the pinky alone stays extended. It is widely called the heart mudra and, in older books, mrit sanjeevani mudra, the life restoring seal.

Because of that name, many people search for it in connection with heart health. This page shows the exact finger position, the traditional uses, and a clear, important safety message: this gesture is not a treatment for heart problems or chest pain.

Also called: Heart mudra, mrit sanjeevani mudra
Index finger: Folded to the base of the thumb
Middle and ring: Tips touch the thumb tip
Little finger: Straight
Hold: 10 to 15 minutes
Emergency rule: Chest pain needs urgent medical care

How to do apana vayu mudra

Take an upright seat with the hands open on the thighs.
Fold the index finger so its tip touches the fleshy base of the thumb.
Rest the middle and fourth fingertips on the thumb pad.
Keep the little finger extended.
Let the breath run smooth and even for ten to fifteen minutes.

Apan vayu mudra is a shortened spelling of the same seal; spellings vary.

Apana vayu mudra in pictures

Close-up of apana vayu mudra with index folded and middle and ring fingertips on the thumb tip — Level
All levels
Hold
10 to 15 minutes
Works on
Calm
Pointer tucked, two central fingertips on the thumb, pinky out: that is the whole seal. Only the little finger points out.
**Teacher's cue:** Check each finger once, then forget the hand and watch the breath.

Seated practice of the heart mudra with an open chest and relaxed shoulders — Level
All levels
Hold
10 minutes
Works on
Relaxation
Sit with the chest gently open and the shoulders soft while holding the gesture on both knees.
**Teacher's cue:** Breathe into the sides of the ribs as if widening the chest.

Practising the heart mudra seated on a chair with feet flat, suitable for older adults — Level
All levels
Hold
5 to 10 minutes
Works on
Calm breathing
Older practitioners can hold the gesture on a chair, feet flat and back supported.
**Teacher's cue:** Lean back on the chair if it helps you relax.

Traditional apana vayu mudra benefits

Mudra books link apana vayu mudra benefits with the heart and circulation, as well as with gas and discomfort in the upper belly, since it combines the air reducing vayu mudra with the downward moving apana mudra. Practitioners often say it feels calming. No research shows any effect on the heart, blood pressure or circulation.

Apan vayu mudra benefits listed online repeat the same traditional claims; read them as folklore rather than medicine.

Important: not a treatment for chest pain

Popular posts sometimes claim this mudra can help during a heart attack. Please never rely on it. Chest pain, pressure, pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, breathlessness, sweating or sudden weakness need emergency medical help immediately. Call an ambulance; in India, dial 108 or 112.

If you have heart disease, follow your cardiologist's treatment and use mudras only as a calming extra.

Apana vayu vs vayu vs apana mudra

Gesture	Index	Middle and ring
Vayu mudra	Tucked into thumb root	Straight
Apana mudra	Straight	Tips to thumb tip
Apana vayu mudra	Folded under thumb	Tips to thumb tip

Supporting heart health with yoga

For real heart support, combine medical care with regular walking, gentle yoga, slow breathing, a low salt diet and stress management. Our yoga for heart health and yoga for high blood pressure guides explain safe routines. Slow breathing like anulom vilom is a good companion to this mudra.

How often to practise

Most people sit with it for ten to fifteen minutes, morning and evening if they like. There are no known risks to the gesture itself. Other seals are gathered in our mudra overview.

Mudras are a traditional practice and research on them is limited. Use them alongside, never instead of, the care your doctor advises.

Questions people ask

Why is apana vayu mudra called the heart mudra?

Tradition links it with the heart and calls it mrit sanjeevani, the life restoring seal. This is a traditional name, not a medical claim.

Can apana vayu mudra help in a heart attack?

No. Chest pain needs emergency medical care immediately. Call 108 or 112 in India.

How many minutes does the heart mudra need?

About ten to fifteen minutes per sitting.

What is the difference between apana mudra and apana vayu mudra?

The heart mudra adds a tucked pointer to the apana shape.

Is it safe to practise daily?

Yes, the gesture is safe. Use it alongside, not instead of, medical care.

Can I use the heart mudra while lying in bed?

Yes. Rest the hands on the belly or beside you with the fingers arranged as described. It can be a calm way to settle before sleep, alongside any treatment your doctor has given.