The Kriya for Stress Relief, a potent practice taught by Yogi Bhajan, offers a holistic approach to alleviating stress and promoting inner calm.
Before you begin:-🙏
Start by sitting comfortably with a straight spine, either on the floor or a chair. Bring the hands into Prayer Mudra (palms pressed together at the centre of the chest) and close the eyes.
Prayer Pose (Pranam Mudra)
How: The palms of both hands and fingers are completely touching. The outer edge of the mound of the thumb is pressed into the sternum.
Effect: Neutralizes the positive side of the body (right, sun, masculine) with the negative side (left, moon, feminine).
There is a science to using Prayer Pose (Pranam Mudra) because there is a polarity in the body between the right side (the pingala) and the left side (the ida). When you put the right and left hands together, you neutralize the positive and negative polarities of the electromagnetic field. This action creates a neutral space.
The position of the thumb knuckles (in the center notch of the breastbone) is a reflex point for the vagus nerve, one of the major nerves that connects with the pineal gland. The pressure created in this space during Pranam Mudra immediately causes the pineal and pituitary glands to secrete, which creates a resonance in the brain that resets its normal rhythm to a meditative state. Research on the vagus nerve has revealed that it is involved in our feelings of compassion and empathy, therefore this mudra allows one’s prayer to come from the heart. (3hO.org)
Breath:- Inhale deeply through the nose, filling the lungs, and exhale slowly and fully. (Use diaphragmatic breathing)
Continue this deep breathing pattern for 3-11 minutes, focusing on the breath and allowing the mind to become still.
To end: gently rub the palms together to generate heat and place them over the eyes, allowing the warmth to soothe any tension.
Finally, bring the hands back to Prayer Mudra and take a few more deep breaths before releasing the posture.
Close & Seal your practice by chanting Sat Nam 🙏💚
The Kriya for Stress Relief calms the nervous system, relaxes the body, and clears the mind of stress-induced clutter. With regular practice, it promotes emotional balance, mental clarity, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.