Khechari Mudra| Tongue Lock | Khechari Mudra in Raja Yoga| Steps|Benefits| Suggestions
Khechari Mudra (Tongue Lock) is an advanced level mudra and is also referred to as Nabho Mudra or Vyom Chakra in numerous texts while some others including Swami Sivananda called it Lambhika Yoga. Etymologically the word Khechari is a combination of two Sanskrit words “Khe/kha” meaning “sky” and “charya/chara” meaning “one who moves freely”. This mudra is deeply rooted in the philosophy of nectar being the elixir of life. According to this ancient philosophy when the yoga practitioners have mastered this yoga they will be able to taste the nectar/amrita being secreted from the Bindu (collected at the Vishuddhi Chakra). This would help them to overcome hunger, thirst and any kind of diseases.
Steps
- Sit down comfortably in any meditative posture of your choice (Padmasana, Vajrasana, Sukhasana, Siddhasana etc)
- Straighten your back and Calm down your entire body by taking some deep and slow breaths. Rest your palms on your knees in Chin/jnana mudra to create a Pranic circuit.
- Slowly take your tongue upwards and roll it back such that the back of the tongue rests against the upper soft palate. With practise you will be able to push your tongue backwards and the tip of your tongue will be in the throat while the tongue will be raised towards the nasal cavity.
- Breathe slowly and deeply.
- Practise Ujjai Pranayama.
- Try to hold the tongue in one position as long as possible without staining it.
- If you feel any strain or tiredness in your throat release the tongue massage it gently with your fingers and then continue the practice.
Note: In the beginning it might be difficult to practise Ujjai Pranayama along with Khechari Mudra but over the course of time with consistent practise the discomfort will ease out.
Physical benefits
- Heps in reduction of hunger and thirst: The tongue stimulates and activates a myriad of pressure points located in the upper soft palate, throat and the nasal cavity. This leads to secretion of several enzymes and hormones along with saliva which reduces hunger and thirst.
- Improves Digestion: The enzymes secreted during the practice of this mudra help in improving digestion.
- Psychological harmony: Khechari mudra stimulates the Hypothalamus ( a small portion of the brain, located above the pituitary gland) which calms and body and helps in psychological healing.
Meditative Benefits
- Heps in reduction of hunger and thirst: The tongue stimulates and activates a myriad of pressure points located in the upper soft palate, throat and the nasal cavity. This leads to secretion of several enzymes and hormones along with saliva which reduces hunger and thirst.
- Improves Digestion: The enzymes secreted during the practice of this mudra help in improving digestion.
- Psychological harmony: Khechari mudra stimulates the Hypothalamus ( a small portion of the brain, located above the pituitary gland) which calms and body and helps in psychological healing.
Contraindications
- The practice of Khechari Mudra should be avoided if there are ulcers in the mouth.
- If any form of bitter secretion takes place during the practice, halt the practice immediately.
Suggestions:
- Massage your tongue gently (without pulling it too hard) if your tongue is tired after the practice.
- Initially your tongue might not slide towards the back of your mouth and will simply rest at the upper soft palate. To push it backwards try to assume the swallowing action during the practice (preferably while you inhale) this will automatically push your tongue backwards.
- Do not force your tongue towards your throat. Remember: this is an advanced level practice and it takes months and years to practice it.
- This Mudra should be practised for 5-10 minutes. Do not try to practise this mudra for a longer period of time as it might hurt your tongue.
- It is always advisable to practise Khechari Mudra under the expert guidance of a Guru who is adept in Yoga
Sources:
- Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Swami
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Light on Hatha Yoga by Swami Muktibodhananda