Bhujangini Mudra, often referred to as the "Serpent Gesture," is one of the 25 mudras described in the Gheranda Samhita, a classical text on Hatha Yoga. The name "Bhujangini" derives from "bhujanga," meaning snake or serpent, symbolizing the expansion of energy and fluidity, much like a snake drinking air and swelling itself up.
This mudra mimics a serpent's act of drinking air and is performed by extending the neck forward slightly, opening the mouth, and drawing air into the stomach. It emphasizes breath control (pranayama), digestion, and internal cleansing.
10 Important Benefits of Bhujangini Mudra
Improves Digestion: The primary benefit of Bhujangini Mudra is enhanced digestion. The movement of air into the stomach aids in the breakdown of food and improves the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
Relieves Indigestion: This mudra is particularly effective in treating digestive disorders such as indigestion, bloating, and gas by facilitating the release of trapped gases.
Stimulates Agni (Digestive Fire): By increasing internal heat and stimulating the Agni, or digestive fire, it aids in maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Detoxifies the System: The process of swallowing air during this mudra helps in expelling toxins from the digestive system and promoting overall gut health.
Enhances Lung Capacity: By controlling the breath and drawing air deeply, it helps expand the lung capacity and enhances respiratory function.
Energizes the Body: The process of drawing in air revitalizes the body, boosts energy levels, and reduces fatigue.
Reduces Anxiety: The deep breathing techniques involved in Bhujangini Mudra can help calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and balance emotions.
Improves Posture: It encourages extending the neck and lengthening the spine, which can improve posture and relieve neck or shoulder tension.
Activates Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): By engaging the throat and drawing in air, this mudra stimulates the Vishuddha Chakra, promoting clear communication, self-expression, and emotional balance.
Enhances Pranayama Practices: This mudra can be a preparatory technique for more advanced pranayama practices, as it teaches breath control and mindfulness.
Mantra to Be Chanted During Bhujangini Mudra
The mantra that can be chanted while performing Bhujangini Mudra is So-Ham. This mantra is often used in meditative breathing exercises and translates to "I am that," reflecting a unity between the individual self and the universal consciousness.
- "So" as you inhale (draw the air in)
- "Ham" as you exhale
This mantra aligns with the breathing patterns in the mudra and helps synchronize breath and mind, promoting inner calm and focus.
Similar Mudras
Uddiyana Bandha: This abdominal lock involves drawing the navel towards the spine and upward, improving digestion and cleansing the digestive tract, similar to Bhujangini Mudra.
Kaki Mudra: Like Bhujangini Mudra, Kaki Mudra also involves sucking in air through the mouth, but with a specific shape of the lips resembling a beak, which is aimed at enhancing breathing and digestion.
Jivha Bandha: A throat-related mudra that engages the tongue and helps stimulate the digestive system, which shares benefits with Bhujangini Mudra.
Lesser-Known Facts About Bhujangini Mudra
Link to Kundalini Awakening: Bhujangini Mudra, being associated with a serpent, can symbolically represent the awakening of Kundalini energy, although it is primarily a physical and digestive aid.
Not Commonly Taught: This mudra is relatively lesser-known and not as frequently taught as other mudras in contemporary yoga practices, despite its ancient origins.
Unique Air-Drinking Aspect: The act of swallowing air is uncommon in yoga and distinguishes Bhujangini Mudra from other practices, where air is typically drawn through the nostrils.
Practical Benefits Beyond Digestion: While known for digestive benefits, it also improves breath control, lung function, and mental clarity.
Practicality in Day-to-Day Life
Morning Routine: Performing Bhujangini Mudra first thing in the morning on an empty stomach can stimulate digestion and clear bloating or discomfort.
Post-Meal Practice: It can be done after a heavy meal to relieve indigestion or to promote the easy release of gas and bloating.
Workplace Stress Relief: In moments of stress or anxiety, the deep breathing associated with this mudra can quickly restore calm and reduce tension.
Travel Companion: If you often suffer from bloating or indigestion while traveling, Bhujangini Mudra can be a simple and discreet way to relieve discomfort.
Importance in Hinduism and Yoga Tradition
Bhujangini Mudra is not only important for its physical benefits but also holds spiritual significance. In Hinduism, snakes are often revered as symbols of power and transformation. The mudra helps channel the serpent's energy, symbolizing transformation and rejuvenation in the practitioner's life.
This mudra also integrates with the broader framework of Hatha Yoga, which emphasizes balancing the body's energies through asanas, pranayama, and mudras. By mastering this mudra, one can maintain digestive health, which in turn ensures vitality and energy for spiritual practice.
In essence, Bhujangini Mudra bridges the physical and metaphysical, linking digestion and breath control with deeper states of consciousness.