Yoga BLOG

Shanmukhi Mudra: the seal of the six openings Perhaps you've seen a yogi sitting quietly in a position unfamiliar to you. They've closed their ears, eyes, nose, and mouth with their fingers, as if they no longer want to receive any sensory impressions from this world. Wanting to see, hear, smell, or taste nothing? This image, which can suggest total withdrawal, is deceptive. The finger position is Shanmukhi Mudra, a yogic hand position also known as the seal of the six openings. Here you'll learn what characterizes this gesture and what effects it can have on you. Six or seven openings? The openings in Shanmukhi Mudra refer to the sensory organs. The mouth, the two eyes, and the ears are clearly counted. In some versions of this posture, the nose is seen as a single opening, while other interpretations count the two nostrils. So, don't be surprised that some sources speak of the closure of the seven openings. It's exactly the same posture! Nevertheless, the use of the number "six" is more accurate if the Sanskrit derivation is correctly translated. "Shan" means "six," while "mukhi" is the word for "openings," and "mudra," in addition to the meaning of the gesture you may already know, can also mean "seal." The right closure To properly close the six or seven openings of your senses, i.e., to properly seal, place your hands in front of your face. The fingers point inward, toward each other, with your elbows at shoulder height. Your thumbs close your ears. Your index fingers gently touch the inner corners of your closed eyes, while your middle fingers close the two openings from the outside by pressing against your nostrils. Placed above and below your lips, your ring and little fingers encircle your mouth. All fingers exert only light pressure. Breathing You don't need to worry about not being able to breathe properly in Shanmukhi Mudra. You regularly release the pressure from both nostrils to be able to take a new breath. The following exercise sequence shows you what this might look like in practice. Your practice with Shanmukhi Mudra You can assume this posture in the lotus position or any other position comfortable for you. It's important that you ground yourself on a firm surface and that your spine is upright. Take a conscious breath through your nose and then gently close your nostrils. While closed, pause your breath briefly. Whether you utter a silent "aum" during this time or focus on your third eye is up to you. Perhaps you also listen to the sounds that might arise within you. The important thing is that you can gradually relax, let go, and make peace with yourself and the world around you. How long your breathing cycles in Shanmukhi Mudra last is entirely up to you. As a rule, a practice of between five and ten minutes is advisable. Effect on body, mind and soul Shanmukhi Mudra can relax the nerve pathways that run across your face, as well as your eyes. The practice calms your mind and allows you to find peace of mind. You can benefit in many ways. Perhaps it will release stuck thoughts that have been blocking you for a long time. You may also feel a soothing calming effect or notice how anxiety or anger is reduced or even dissipated. Shanmukhi mudra and meditation This mudra form is often an effective preparation for your meditative practice. By sitting upright, you create a connection to the highest being while simultaneously feeling rooted to the earth. Combined with conscious breathing, Shanmukhi mudra is a valuable way to allow the energies in your body to flow again and dissolve any blockages, both physical and mental. Image © nanka-photo / shotshop.com