Bhujangini Mudra ( भुजंगिनी मुद्रा ) is also known by different names – ‘Cobra gesture’ or ‘Cobra respiration’. It is an intermediate level yoga mudra that helps to control the flow of prana energy in the body. In this article, we would discuss about various such health benefits, steps and precautions for practicing ‘Bhujangini Mudra’.
The Sanskrit name of this yoga comes from Bhujang ( भुजंग ) meaning ‘Cobra’ or ‘Serpent’ and Mudra ( मुद्रा ) meaning ‘hand gesture’. In this mudra, a yogi need to bend your upper body in the forward direction by stretching his neck and lifting the chin. Meanwhile, look towards the ceiling, straighten body & inhale the air with gulps into the abdomen.
According to Gheranda Samhita, Indian yogic text Bhujangini Mudra works as “destroyer of death and decay”. It’s a part of Mana or head mudra that forms a major part of Vatsara dhauti, Pranayama, Shatkarma and Kundalini yogic kriyas.
During the practice of Bhujangini Mudra the body of practitioner resembles a cobra flaring its hood. The major variations of Bhujangini Mudra or Cobra respiration are Jnana mudra, Vitarka mudra, Pala mudra and Abhaya hridya mudra.
How to practice Bhujangini Mudra
Following are the step – by – step instructions to follow for the practice of Bhujangini Mudra :
Step 1 :
- Begin the mudra by sitting in any meditative posture like Padmasansa or Lotus pose.
Step 2 :
- Now, relax your body by closing your eyes and lean upper body forward at your hips.
Step 3 :
- Stretch neck in forward direction and slowly raise your chin with the support of arms.
Step 4 :
- Look towards the ceiling and inhale the air in gulps through the mouth into stomach.
Step 5 :
- Maintain the pose by holding the air in your stomach as long as you feel comfortable.
Step 6 :
- To release, sit back to the original pose while exhaling with burps through the mouth.
Step 7 :
- You may practice Bhujangini Mudra for about 2-3 times or as per your body’s comfort.
Top Health Benefits of Bhujangini Mudra
Following are the major Health Benefits of Bhujangini Mudra that you may attain with regular practice :
1. Bhujangini Mudra helps to improve your digestion
- The practice of Bhujangini Mudra improves your digestion, strengthens abdominal muscles and cleanse digestive tracts.
- Plus Cobra gesture also stimulates abdominal fire, stretches the esophagus walls & helps in secretion of digestive juices.
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2. Bhujangini Mudra helps to improve your respiration
- The daily practice of Bhujangini Mudra helps to balance Vayu Tatva (air element) that makes you energetic and focused.
- Mindful breathing pattern during the mudra removes internal impurities and stimulates Manipura and Vishuddhi chakras.
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Precautions and Contraindications
- You can do Bhujangini Mudra anytime (morning or evening) but keep a gap of about 2–4 hours between your meal and your practice.
- Tips for Beginners : You are advised to do Bhujangini Mudra under the supervision of a certified yoga teacher to learn right technique.
- You are advised to avoid the practice of Bhujangini Mudra in any polluted places or if you are suffering from any respiratory disorders.
- You are recommended to avoid the practice of Bhujangini Mudra if you have any pain or injury in your neck, spine, arms or shoulders.
Preparatory Mudra
- Akashi mudra
- Tadagi Mudra
Follow-up Mudra
- Chinmaya Mudra
- Shanmukhi Mudra
Conclusion
The regular practice of Bhujangini Mudra offers numerous health benefits – relieves stomach pain, treats digestive problems like gastritis, re-energizes body, removes excess mucus, boosts concentration levels, strengthens vocal cords etc.
We really hope that this article would be useful guide for your practice of Bhujangini Mudra. Try out this excellent mudra to boost mind-body coordination and share your views and suggestions on this post in the comment section below.
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FAQs Related to Bhujangini Mudra / Cobra Gesture
What are the health benefits of Bhujangini Mudra or Cobra Respiration ?
The regular practice of Bhujangini Mudra or Cobra gesture helps to rebalance doshas, improves digestion, boosts concentration levels, calms your mind and re-vitalise your body.
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