Apologies for the delay in responding to your question. Question is quite intriguing.
Yes, Gyanmudra mainly works on increasing the vayu (air) element inside the body. Increased air helps the brain to work more efficiently. That’s why it is called vaayuvardhak mudra. However, the element Air is a part of bodily humor Vaata. In your case, it appears to be barrier to your spiritual expansion. Since you do not want to lose its other benefits, you can explore the other methods of countering the effects of vata which I have compiled below for your reference:
- In the context of spiritual dimension, accept your vata predominance as your quality. Let’s understand more about these three fundamental biological properties. Vata which is combination of air and space is refined into its higher subtler form of energy called prana, which governs rhythm, motion and sensitivity of the mind. Similarly, fire and water combines to Pitta which refines to Tejas that creates discernment, the higher function of the mind composed of the essence of light. The third one is Ojas which is refined form of Kapha, combination of water and earth, which is the base of all nurturing qualities. So, all these elements are important and can never be denied. The only thing is bring imbalance, on either side – less or excess (excess is generally dosha) in harmony. Patanjali Yoga Sutra in its 2nd chapter mentions about kriya yoga to counter all the imbalances– Swadhyaya (Self-study), Tapa (Self-discipline and purification) and Ishwar Pranidharana (Devotion to God). So, first component of Kriya, i.e. Swadhyaya is for balancing vata which develops prana and stilling the mind. This is applicable in your case. So, you should continue to do gyan mudra alongwith the intensive self-study that will help you to balance your vata. Similarly, those who have issues with pitta can continue with tapa to pacify its effects. Kapha can be pacified with Ishwara Pranidhana.
- You need to check the aggravating factors that imbalances the vata more and avoid those factors. These factors are overwork, accidents, suppression of urges, emotional suppression or over expression, fasting. Among diet, pungent, astringent and bitter tasting foods aggravates vata.
- You can practice Ujjayi Pranayama (cool, long and slightly audible) to calm down and keep the vata in harmony. Alongwith, if you practice asana, practice slowly with great concentration in coordination with slow breathing pace. This should be followed by relaxation and meditation. Vata predominant students need to practice poses that focus on the pelvic region and the colon, which are the main sites of vata. Balancing poses – Vrksana, garudasana, natarajasana (with caution and if beginner, under supervision of qualified yoga teacher) tend to make prana smoother and steadier.
- The other thing I would like you to focus on your diet that helps to pacify the effects of vata. Favour foods that are warm, heavy and oily (wheat, milk, rice), focus on foods that are sweet, e.g. yogurt, tomatoes, citrus fruits) and salty. Minimize foods that are cold, dry and light. Avoid tastes of pungent (spicy) bitter and astringent foods. Lunch is the optimal time for the heaviest meal of the day.
Just promote relaxation and sensitivity to the inner self and vata will be calmed down. Yoga Nidra also helps. You can also refer the books ‘Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy’ and 3 Season Diet on the issue.
Please feel free to write back for further clarification or information on the subject.
