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From: Yogani
Date: June 10, 2010

New Visitors: It is recommended you read from the beginning of the archive, as previous lessons are prerequisite to this one. The first lesson is, "Why This Discussion?"

Q: I have been practicing kechari mudra for some time. There is one thing bothering me. It's that the soft palate has elongated or stretched due to kechari. The membrane-tendon being stretched may be due to my forcing of the tongue into the inner nostrils. What should I do now to get the tight membrane lining back? Should I lessen kechari use?

A: Yes, if you back off kechari mudra for a while, perhaps using only stage 1 (tongue on roof of mouth see Lesson 108), you will find the soft palate returning close to its original elasticity. Likewise, if you take it easy and enjoy being in stages 2 and 3 (tongue in nasal pharynx), instead of forcing into stage 4 (into inner nostrils), a balance will be found with the rest of the practices in your daily routine (spinal breathing, deep meditation, etc.). Kechari stages 2 and 3 are more than enough to access the "secret spot" on the back edge of the septum (see Lesson T34).

In any case, whatever we do will not permanently deform the soft palate. At least that has been the experience here in over 25 years of kechari practice.

All things in moderation ... and all the best on your path!

The guru is in you.

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Note: For instructions on kechari mudra and its integration into a balanced daily routine of practices, see the Asanas, Mudras and Bandhas book, and AYP Plus.

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