Shanmukhi Mudra

Shanmukhi mudra is a yogic hand gesture that represents closing the six gates of perception – the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. The term comes from the Sanskrit, shan, meaning “six”; mukhi, meaning “face” or “gate”; and mudra, meaning “gesture,” “mark” or “seal.”

To practice shanmukhi mudra, place a hand in front of the face with the elbows pointing outward in line with the shoulders. With the thumbs, close the ears. Close the eyes and lightly touch the inner corners of the eyes with the index fingers. Place the middle fingers on either side of the nose. The ring fingers are placed above the mouth, and the little fingers below the mouth.

Shanmukhi mudra is usually practiced for five to 10 minutes, often in preparation for meditation.