Sadanta Pranayama

“Shanmukhi Mudra” is often referred to as “Shanmukhi Pranayama” or “Sadanta Pranayama.” It’s a practice that involves closing six of the seven openings in the head, focusing on the regulation and control of breath through these six gates.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to practicing Shanmukhi Pranayama or Sadanta Pranayama:

1. Assume a Comfortable Posture:
   • Sit in a comfortable meditative posture like Padmasana (lotus pose), Sukhasana (easy pose), or on a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
   • Ensure your spine is straight but relaxed, and your body is comfortable.
2. Relax and Focus:
   • Close your eyes gently and take a few deep breaths to relax and center yourself.
3. Hand Position (Shanmukhi Mudra):
   • Place your hands in Shanmukhi Mudra: Use your thumbs to close your ears, index fingers to close your eyes, middle fingers to close your nostrils, and ring fingers to close your lips. Your little fingers rest gently on your chin.
4. Inhalation (Puraka):
   • Close your ears, eyes, nostrils, and lips gently using the fingers in Shanmukhi Mudra.
   • Inhale slowly and deeply through the space between your teeth, where the tongue meets the upper palate.
5. Exhalation (Rechaka):
   • Keeping the gates closed, exhale slowly and completely through the same space between your teeth.
6. Breath Awareness:
   • Focus on the sensation of breath passing through the teeth during both inhalation and exhalation.
7. Rhythm and Awareness:
   • Maintain a smooth, controlled rhythm of breathing while keeping the gates gently closed.
   • Maintain awareness of the breath and the sensation of the breath against the upper palate.
8. Complete the Practice:
   • Practice Shanmukhi Pranayama or Sadanta Pranayama for a few minutes, gradually extending the duration as you become more accustomed to the technique.

Shanmukhi Pranayama or Sadanta Pranayama is believed to calm the mind, reduce distractions, and enhance concentration. It’s often practiced to prepare the mind for meditation and to enhance inner awareness.

Caution and Considerations:

• Be gentle with the pressure applied to the various gates, especially around the eyes and ears.
• If you have any discomfort or pain, release the mudra and return to normal breathing.