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AKASHI MUDRA
Akashi Mudra (awareness of inner space)
Sit in any comfortable meditation asana. Close the eyes and relax the whole body for a few minutes. Fold the tongue back against the palate in khechari mudra. Practise ujjayi pranayama and shambhavi mudra. Simultaneously bend the head back about 45 degrees. Straighten the arms and lock the elbows, pressing the knees with the hands. Breathe slowly and deeply in ujjayi. Continue for as long as you feel comfortable. Bend the elbows and release khechari and shambhavi mudras. Stop ujjayi and raise the head to the upright position. Breath normally for a few seconds and be aware of the
inner space before starting the next round. Duration: Begin with 1 to 3 rounds and gradually increase to 5
rounds. Maintain the final position for as long as possible,
increasing the length of time in the mudra very slowly. Awareness: On ajna chakra. Precaution: If faintness is felt stop the practice. This technique
must be learned slowly and under expert guidance. Contra-indications: People suffering from high blood pressure,
vertigo, brain disorders or epilepsy should not practise
this mudra. Benefits: This practice combines the benefits of kumbhaka,
ujjayi, shambhavi, khechari. It can induce calmness and tranquillity, and develop control over the senses. When it is perfected, it arrests the thought processes and induces
higher states of consciousness. Variation: Akashi mudra may also be practised with breath
retention. Perform the practice as described above. Inhale while bending the head backwards. Hold the breath inside in the final position. Exhale while slowly raising the head to the starting position.
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