मण्डूकी मुद्रा

Maṇḍūkī Mudrā

The frog gesture

Sources: Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.63-64

Meaning

Maṇḍūka (मण्डूक) means “frog”. Maṇḍūkī Mudrā is “the frog gesture” —so called because the position of the tongue and mouth resembles a frog.

It is a simple but powerful technique related to Khecarī Mudrā, focused on movement of the tongue inside the closed mouth.

Technique

Practice

  1. Sit in a comfortable meditative posture
  2. Close the mouth keeping lips sealed
  3. Move the tongue slowly inside the mouth in all directions
  4. Rotate the tongue along the inside of the lips and gums
  5. Touch all teeth, the hard palate, the soft palate
  6. Collect the saliva that is generated
  7. Swallow it consciously when abundant
  8. Continue the movement for several minutes

Meditative variation

  1. After moving the tongue, let it rest on the palate
  2. Adopt Nābho Mudrā (tongue pressing the soft palate)
  3. Direct attention to the space between the eyebrows
  4. Remain in meditation with this position

Specific movements

Tradition describes different movement patterns:

  • Circular: the tongue rotates clockwise, then counter-clockwise
  • Sweeping: from left to right along the gums
  • Exploration: touching each tooth individually
  • Backward: extending the tongue toward the throat

Effects

Physical level

  • Stimulates saliva production
  • Strengthens tongue muscles
  • Massages gums and improves oral health
  • Stimulates salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, sublingual)
  • Prepares the tongue for Khecarī Mudrā

Energetic level

  • Generates and distributes amṛta (the nectar of subtle saliva)
  • Stimulates viśuddhi chakra (throat center)
  • Connects the energetic circuit of the mouth
  • Prepares for deeper meditative states

Saliva as elixir

In yogic and Taoist tradition, saliva is considered a precious fluid:

  • It is called “jade water” or “divine nectar”
  • It contains prāṇa that nourishes the body
  • Swallowing it consciously benefits the entire digestive system
  • In deep meditative states, it becomes sweet (amṛta)

The practice of generating and consciously swallowing saliva is shared by Haṭha Yoga, Qigong and other contemplative traditions.

Relationship with Khecarī Mudrā

Maṇḍūkī Mudrā can be seen as:

Preparation: Strengthens the tongue and makes it more flexible for Khecarī.

Accessible version: For those who cannot practice complete Khecarī.

Complementary practice: Can be practiced alongside gentle versions of Khecarī.

The traditional sequence would be:

  1. Maṇḍūkī Mudrā (tongue movement)
  2. Nābho Mudrā (tongue on soft palate)
  3. Khecarī Mudrā (tongue toward nasopharynx, if possible)

In the classical texts

“Close the mouth and move the tongue inside in all directions. Slowly swallow the nectar that flows. This is Maṇḍūkī Mudrā.” — Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.63

“The yogi who practices thus daily does not suffer old age or death. His body remains always young and healthy.” — Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.64

Integration in practice

Maṇḍūkī Mudrā can be practiced:

As morning preparation: Before brushing teeth, to stimulate salivary glands.

During prāṇāyāma: As a complementary technique during pauses.

In meditation: The first few minutes, before establishing stillness.

At any time of day: As a subtle practice when you have a free moment.

It is such a simple technique that it can be practiced in practically any context without attracting attention.

Additional benefits

Regular practice can help with:

  • Chronic dry mouth
  • Gum and tooth health
  • Bad breath
  • Jaw tension
  • Preparation for chanting or mantra recitation

Precautions

This is a very safe practice with few contraindications:

  • Wounds in mouth or tongue: Wait until healed
  • Active oral infections: Treat first
  • After dental surgery: Consult with dentist

There are no significant contraindications for general practice. It is appropriate for beginners and can be practiced at any age.