Bhoochari Mudra ( भूचरी मुद्रा ) is an breathing technique that helps to correcting the energy dimension of Pritvi Tatwa (Earth element). This Mudra is a part of Hatha Yoga that helps to calm mind and activates optimal energy flow in our body. Here we would discuss about various such health benefits, steps & precautions for practicing ‘Bhoochari Mudra’.
The Sanskrit word ‘Bhoochari Mudra’ is the combination of three words – ‘Bhoo’ ( भू ) means ‘Earth’ , ‘Chari’ ( चरी ) means ‘Movement’ and Mudra ( मुद्रा ) meaning ‘Hand gesture’. In this mudra, a yogi need to sit in Padmasana and gaze on the tip of his nose ( Nasikagra drishti ). This focus on a point would assists in steadying the mind for meditative state.
How to practice Bhoochari Mudra
Following are the step – by – step instructions to follow for the practice of Bhoochari Mudra
Step 1 :
- Sit in any meditative asana such as Padmasana or Siddhasana with spine and head upright.
Step 2 :
- Keep both the hands over your knee and close your eyes to relax every parts of your body.
Step 3 :
- Gradually, open your eyes and raise your right hand in front of your face near the upper lip.
Step 4 :
- Gaze at any point straight ahead or on the tip of your little finger without blinking the eyes.
Step 5 :
- Keep your fingers together, palm facing down and your hand must be placed horizontally.
Step 6 :
- Now, Lower your right hand again over your knee and practice with your left hand as well.
Step 7 :
- You can practice Bhoochari Mudra 4 – 5 minutes and relax for a few moments to restart it.
Top Health Benefits of Bhoochari Mudra
Following are the 5 major Health Benefits of Bhoochari Mudra that you may attain with regular practice :
- Powerful calming effects of Bhoochari Mudra makes it easier for you to hold your body seated in meditation for longer.
- Bhoochari Mudra is one of Chitta or Manas mudra that helps to stimulate and balance Ida, Pingala & Sushumna Nadis.
- The regular practice of Bhoochari mudra activates Ajna Chakra (Third Eye Chakra) & Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra).
- Bhoochari Mudra aids to relieve the psychological conditions such as hysteria, stress, anger, insomnia and depression.
- Bhoochari Mudra forms a part of Trataka meditation that boosts the memory, concentration & spiritual consciousness.
Modifications and Variations
Jnana Mudra, Pala Mudra, Vitarka Mudra, Dhyana Mudra and Chin Mudra are the major variations of Bhoochari Mudra.
To deepen experience of Bhoochari Mudra try out following modifications & find the variation that works well for you :
- You can bend three middle fingers of the raised palm downward to get a more clearer view of the tip of the little finger.
- To increase your focus, roll back the tip of tongue backwards into your throat as you focus on the tip of the little finger.
Precautions and Contraindications
- You may practice Bhoochari Mudra anytime (morning or evening) but keep a gap of 2–4 hours between your meal and your practice.
- It’s advised to consult a doctor before you practice Bhoochari Mudra if you’ve been through recent lens implants or cataract surgery.
- You must avoid the practice of Bhoochari Mudra if you are suffering from medical conditions like Glaucoma and Diabetic retinopathy.
- Tips for Beginners : You are advised to do Bhoochari Mudra under the supervision of a certified yoga teacher to learn right technique.
Preparatory Mudra
- Akashi mudra
- Agochari Mudra
- Unmani Mudra
Follow-up Mudra
- Chinmaya Mudra
- Sambhavi Mudra
Conclusion
The regular practice of Bhoochari Mudra offers numerous health benefits – calms your mind, energizes body, boosts memory and concentration, cures insomnia, assists in anger management, relieves stress and mild depression etc.
We really hope that this blog would be useful guide for your practice of Bhoochari Mudra. Try out this excellent mudra to boost your mental health and do share your thoughts and suggestions on this blog post in the comment section below.
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FAQ’S related to Bhoochari Mudra
How the practice of Bhoochari Mudra help to improve mental health ?
The regular practice of Bhoochari mudra improves mind-body coordination, enhances upward flow of the prana energy, This sitting posture sharpens your reasoning power, focus, attention and your sense of self-awareness. Plus, it also helps in withdrawing your mind from surroundings.