How to do Khechari Mudra (Tongue Lock) | Breathing pattern | Duration | Awareness | Precautions | Benefits | Practice note
Khechari Mudra (tongue lock) is a mana mudra (head mudras).
How to do Khechari Mudra (Tongue Lock)
- Sit in any comfortable meditation pose, preferably padmasana or siddha/siddha yoni asana, with the head and spine straight and the hands in chin or jnana mudra. Relax the whole body and close the eyes.
- Fold the tongue upward and backward, so that the lower surface lies in contact with the upper palate.
- Stretch the tip of the tongue backward as far as is comfortable.
- Do not strain.
- Perform ujjayi pranayama.
- Breathe slowly and deeply.
- Hold the tongue lock for as long as possible without straining.
- At first there may be some discomfort and ujjayi pranayama may irritate the throat, but with practice it will become more comfortable.
- When the tongue becomes tired, release and relax it, then repeat the practice.
Breathing pattern while doing Khechari Mudra – Tongue Lock
- Gradually reduce the respiration rate over a period of months until the number of breaths per minute is 5 or 6. This may be reduced further under the guidance of a competent teacher.
Duration
- Practise for 5 to 10 minutes. Khechari mudra may also be performed with other yoga practices.
Awareness
- Physical – on the stretch of the tongue and the light pressure against the upper palate.
- Spiritual – at vishuddhi chakra.
Precaution while doing Khechari Mudra – Tongue Lock
- Discontinue this mudra if a bitter secretion is tasted. Such a secretion is a sign of toxins in the system.
- Tongue ulcers and other common mouth ailments will temporarily preclude performance of this practice.
Khechari Mudra (Tongue Lock) Benefits
- Khechari mudra stimulates a number of pressure points located in the back of the mouth and the nasal cavity. These points influence the whole body. A number of glands are also massaged, stimulating the secretion of certain hormones and of saliva. This practice reduces the sensations of hunger and thirst, and induces a state of inner calm and stillness. It preserves the vitality of the body and is especially beneficial for inner healing.
- Ultimately, this mudra has the potential to stimulate prana and awaken kundalini shakti.
Practice note
- The advanced hatha yoga form of this practice involves the careful severing of the frenum beneath the tongue so that it can move right into the nasal cavity and stimulate important psychic centres situated there. This form of khechari mudra is not recommended here, as the effects make it unsuitable for interaction with the outside world.
- The word khechari comes from two Sanskrit roots: khe, meaning sky’, and charya, meaning ‘one who moves’. Kheclzari mudra is associated with amrita, the nectar or elixir of life which is secreted from hindu, a point situated at the posterior fontanel, and then collected at vishuddhi chakra . Perfection of this practice enables the yogi to trap the descending drops of amrita at vishuddhi, overcoming hunger and thirst, and rejuvenating the entire body.