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cavity. These points influence the whole body. A number of glands are also massaged, stimulating the secretion of certain hormones and of saliva. This practice reduces the sensations of hunger and thirst, and induces a state of inner calm and stillness. It preserves the vitality of the body and is especially beneficial for inner healing. Khechari combined with ujjayi pranayama is useful for women in labour when practised between contractions. Women should be thoroughly proficient in the practice, however, before using it in this way. Ujjayi and khechari are also used in combination to develop awareness of the spinal and frontal psychic passages. Ultimately, this mudra has the potential to stimulate prana and awaken kundalini shakti.
Practice note: The advanced hatha yoga form of this practice involves the careful severing of the frenum beneath the tongue so that it can move right into the nasal cavity and stimulate important psychic centres situated there. This form of khechari mudra is not recommended here, however, as the effects make it unsuitable for interaction with the outside world.
Note: The word khechari comes from the two Sanskrit roots khe meaning 'sky' and chary a meaning 'one who moves'. Khechari mudra is associated with amrita, the nectar or elixir of life which is secreted from bindu, a point situated at the posterior fontanel, and then collected at vishuddhi chakra (for more information on this process see the chapter Psychic Physiology of Yoga). Perfection of this practice enables the yogi to trap the descending drops of amrita at vishuddhi, overcoming hunger and thirst, and rejuvenating the entire body.
For additional information on khechari mudra see the Bihar School of Yoga publications Yoga Darshan and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
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