[Lifestyle] Astrologer says this mudra helps ‘reduce overthinking in 10 seconds’; we probe

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Most of us tend to overthink situations and scenarios, which may affect mental peace and even lead to anxiety. While one may not be able to prevent it from happening, experts believe that a few yoga practices may help you reduce worrying about things that are not in your control. One such practice, according to astrologer Arun Pandit, is Khecari mudra. In a 59-second chat with Curly Tales, the astrologer said how mewing, a hatha yoga practice, can help reduce overthinking in just 10 seconds. “You have to curl the tip of the tongue back into the mouth until it reaches above the soft palate and into the nasal cavity. Instantly, you will reduce your overthinking,” he said. Intrigued, we decided to ask experts whether the practice holds benefits.

Dr Sudhir Kumar, neurologist, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad said that the tongue position influences the whole body. “If the tongue is positioned against the palate, the parasympathetic system will reduce its systemic activity (for example, heartbeats and respiratory rhythm increase), but if it is positioned against the soft palate, the sympathetic system will reduce its activity, causing a reduction in heart rate, relaxed breathing and lowering of blood pressure,” said Dr Kumar. Therefore, it is vital to roll the tongue backward and correctly press against the soft palate to get the desired effect – relief in anxiety, and stress and reduction in overthinking. “Tongue movements, generally postero-lateral (backward and to the sides), activate the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which plays an important role in the sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional information and pain processing,” Dr Kumar told indianexpress.com. ACC and amygdala are influenced by tongue position/movements, which regulate several aspects of mood and emotions. According to Dr Kumar, another technique that can help in relaxation is raising the soft palate; which can be achieved by saying “R” or by yawning. “This exerts stretch on the vagus nerve located in the palate and is associated with a calming effect,” said Dr Kumar. According to astrologer Pandit Jagannath Guruji, kechari mudra is beneficial for people who are having trouble with overthinking. “The nerve endings on the tongue, apart from the eyes, are among the most serious diversions and distractions that we have in this world. They influence how we enjoy taste, and communicate. When you turn the tongue back or pull it backward, you slowly shift attention away from external stimuli and direct it inwards,” said Guruji, who compared it to a turtle withdrawing its head and legs into its shell.

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/khecari-mudra-mewing-reduce-overthinking-in-10-seconds-experts-benefits-9296452/