Warning: This article is rooted in the principles of Ayurveda and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have a chronic condition, please consult your healthcare provider or a certified nutrition specialist.
Nabhi mudra involves pressing the tip of the tongue to the upper palate. This position is used to fix individual circuits of prana circulation in the human subtle body and is performed constantly and everywhere, in every exercise, except for eating and speaking.
Swami Sivananda
The tongue is the sensory organ with which a person “tastes” the world around him. By correctly positioning the tongue in the mouth, you can improve your concentration, control the flow of energy in the body, and thus help you gain insight into the depths of your consciousness.
The best tongue mudra for concentration
Yogis of the past left us unique tools for improving the body and the spirit. Control of the senses is the main factor in achieving concentration in yogic practices, whether it can be meditation, performing asanas, or following moral principles. By achieving deep meditative states, ancient sages gained knowledge about the structure of the world. They also explored the structure of the human body, studying it as a material and energetic substance.
It is believed that there are more than 40 thousand energy channels (nadis) concentrated in the human body. By controlling the channels, the practitioner can gain personal power. For example, in yoga there is a technique for closing and holding “locks” (obstacles to energy), which are called bandhas. Each chakra has its own lock.
In this article we will look at the basic positions of the tongue in the lock called nabhi mudra. It prevents the dispersion of ascending energy by concentrating it in the upper part of the body.
In this mudra, the tongue acts as a kind of bridge between the ascending and descending flow of energy in the body. By closing the acupuncture point just behind the teeth, in the middle or deep in the palate (near the nasopharynx), the practitioner seems to loop these energy currents.
If the tip of the tongue is not pressed to the upper palate, the ascending energy is dissipated. This often occurs in people whose work is directly related to prolonged speaking (lecturers, speakers, teachers). With prolonged use of the speech apparatus, serious depletion of mental strength occurs. The water balance is disturbed, the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, trachea and bronchi dry out.
In traditional Chinese practices, nabhi mudra is said to be: "The waters of the heavenly river wash the upper palace." It is believed that the saliva that is released while holding this lock has powerful energy that improves a person's health.
Nowadays, a large number of studies are being conducted on the relationship between the position and physical state of the tongue and the state of the body. One such example is the influence of the position of the tongue on the muscles of the jaw apparatus and heart rate. By pressing the tongue to the palate, a person activates the parasympathetic nervous system.
A deep calming occurs and the body enters a state of rest. Yogis of the past have studied this point well. Nabhi mudra is an integral part of body position during meditation. Performing this pose helps a person focus on the meditation process; their breathing becomes more even, and a natural transition to breathing through the nose occurs without any additional effort.
By closing the circle of energy circulation, the practitioner gains a deep understanding of the “here and now” moment through one-pointed attention and identification with the cosmic incessant flow.
How to do nabhi mudra
To perform nabhi mudra, the practitioner touches the tip of the tongue to the upper palate. This can be done in three ways, depending on the physiological capabilities of the practitioner and the goal he is pursuing.
Vayu-nabhi-mudra (closure of the air center) - the tip of the tongue touches the palate above the gum, immediately after the teeth. The wind (air) mudra is considered neutral and activates the air element in the body. By performing this lock, the practitioner maintains temperature balance; lightness and mobility in the joints appear, and the body is filled with physical strength. It is beneficial to perform this mudra while practicing yoga asanas, running and other physical exercises.
Agni-nabhi-mudra (closure of the fire center) activates fire energy. The tip of the tongue sticks to the middle of the palate. This position is more suitable for the practice of pranayama, as it activates the energy of transformation, healing and filling the body with vitality. Also, performing this mudra can be used as a stimulant for awakening. This applies not only to physical sleep, but also to spiritual oblivion.
Jala nabhi mudra (closing the center of water), also called “soma mudra”. In this version, the tongue is inserted as deeply as possible so that its tip touches the entrance to the nasopharynx. It is performed mainly during meditation, when it is necessary to receive a powerful downward energy impulse, or soma flow - the divine nectar that grants immortality. The awakening of the water center is sometimes accompanied by the appearance of goosebumps on the skin or a feeling of chills - a descending flow of energy washes over the practitioner "golden rain of mercy".
By studying and practicing nabhi mudra, one can learn to feel and control the subtle pranic flows in the body. It is good to perform the mudra separately from any yogic practices: this way the body and consciousness will prepare for more subtle perception.
The practice has a calming effect, helps to redirect attention inward, grants concentration, thereby achieving a deep spiritual experience.
Bibliography:
- "Taijiquan: Fundamentals, Theory, and Practice" Lecture by Li Gongcheng. Moscow, May 2018.
- Schmidt JE, Carlson CR, Usery AR, Quevedo AS. Effects of tongue position on mandibular muscle activity and heart rate function. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2009 Dec;108(6):881-8.
The views expressed are based on traditional Ayurvedic texts and do not constitute medical advice.