Description
- 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
- Shanmukhi mudra is commonly practiced with brahmari, a pranayama otherwise known as Bee Breath, in which the exhalation is used to make a humming sound.
- the mudra enables the practitioner to focus on the inner vibration created by the bhramari breath
Follow these steps to try Shanmukhi Mudra :
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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.
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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.
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Use the thumbs to gently close the ears. The spine should remain upright and the shoulders relaxed.
Benefits
- Calms the mind and nervous system
- Prevents and reduces anxiety, anger and irritation
- Relaxes the eyes and facial nerves
- Creates a state of pratyahara (withdrawal of energy from the senses) that promotes a meditative state