Mana Mudra (Head Mudra)

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Khecari Mudra

​Khecari Mudra is carried out by curling the tip of the tongue back into the mouth until it reaches above the soft palate and into the nasal cavity. The tongue is made long enough to do this with many months of daily tongue stretching and, in some versions of the practice, by gradually severing the frenulum of the tongue with a sharp implement over a period of months. The goal is to attain liberation in the body, by sealing in the energy of bindu in the head so that it is not lost.

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Bhujangini Mudra

Bhujangini Mudra is a Yoga technique that is believed to aid digestion and control hunger. The term comes from the Sanskrit, Bhujang, meaning “serpent,” and Mudra, meaning “lock,” “seal” or “gesture.” In Yoga, Mudra are believed to control the flow of energy in the body and may also have symbolic significance.

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Bhujangini Mudra is so called because it resembles a cobra with its hood flared. From a seated posture, such as lotus pose, the Yogi bends the upper body forward, stretches his/her neck and raises the gaze to the sky. He/she inhales as if drinking water, then straightens the body and exhales.

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Bhujangini Mudra is generally practiced while assuming a sitting posture. However, this Mudra can also be practiced while taking the Cobra pose or Bhujangasana. This posture is also believed to strengthen the esophagus walls and improve the digestive process of secretion. This Mudra practice also aids in the process of Peristalsis. Peristalsis is a process where several contractions happen in the food pipe that transports the food inside the esophagus toward the stomach.

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This Mudra is one of the Mudras that have benefits similar to a Pranayama practice, so this Mudra practice brings benefits that are similar to Pranayama. This Mudra is also believed to help awaken the Kundalini Shakti.

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Bhoochari Mudra

The Bhoochari Mudra is also associated with the Earth element. This Mudra can be practiced by including the Nasikagra Drishti as well. So, if practiced with Nasikagra Drishti correctly, it is also believed that it can increase the sense of smell. The smell is also related to the Earth element. According to the Sankhya philosophy, our smell is associated with the Earth element.

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This helps to slow the thought process. It helps to bring a sense of peace and calmness into the mind and body. The Bhoochari Mudra can be assumed while practicing various Pranayama and Meditation techniques. This Mudra is associated with the Ajna Chakra or the Third eye Chakra.

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This Mudra helps to resolve issues that are related to anger. It makes us more aware of the inner self.

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Akashi Mudra

When we practice this Mudra, we constantly gaze toward the sky, hence the name Akashi Mudra. But Akashi Mudra should not be confused with Akasha Mudra. Akasha Mudra is a type of Hasta Mudra or hand gesture/seal. On the other hand, Akashi Mudra is often considered as Mana Mudra or head gesture which has more emphasis on the gaze.

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This Mudra should be practiced while sitting in a seated Meditation posture as this requires a high concentration level. Practicing it while standing in a posture could lead to dizziness or loss of balance. As this Mudra requires gazing upward towards the sky, people with cervical spondylosis can feel dizziness, so it is advised that you avoid keeping your head too much back bending in case of any discomfort or if you experience dizziness, etc.

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This Mudra is also believed to positively influence the Visuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra) and Sahastrara Chakra (Crown Chakra). As mentioned earlier, neck movement stimulates the Throat Chakra, which also stimulates the thyroid glands in our neck region. This Mudra practice also brings a balance between the Nadi.

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Shanmukhi Mudra

Shanmukhi Mudra involves closing the ears, eyes, nose and mouth with the fingers, helping the practitioner to withdraw the senses and turn the awareness inwards. As such, it can be considered a practice of Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), which is the preliminary stage of Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation) according to the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali.

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To practice Shanmukhi Mudra, first raise both hands in front of the face with elbows pointing outwards, in line with the shoulders. With eyes closed, gently press the index fingers to the inner corners of the eyes, place the middle fingers on either side of the nose, the ring fingers above the lips and the little fingers below the mouth. Use the thumbs to gently close the ears. The spine should remain upright and the shoulders relaxed.

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In the practice of Kundalini Yoga, Shanmukhi Mudra is also used as a means of awakening the Kundalini energy which lies dormant at the base of the spine.

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For maximum benefit, this Mudra should be accompanied with Pranayama (breathing techniques) or Bandha (energetic locks). Shanmukhi Mudra is commonly practiced with Brahmari (a Pranayama also known as Bee Breath), in which the exhale is used to make a humming sound. In this technique, the Mudra enables the practitioner to focus on the inner vibration created by the Brahmari breath.

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In addition to heightening awareness and serving as preparation for meditation, Shanmukhi Mudra is credited with the following benefits:

• Calms the mind and nervous system

• Relaxes and rejuvenates the eyes and facial muscles

• Balances internal and external awareness

• Creates a state of Pratyahara

• Enhances focus and introspection

• Helps in managing anxiety

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