Date: 03/01/2025 03/02/2025
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Shilin Long
Sitting Meditation
The Meaning of Placing the Tongue Against the Upper Palate
Placing the tongue lightly against the upper palate is a key instruction in many meditation traditions, yoga systems, and contemplative practices. Though simple, this gesture greatly influences breathing, concentration, energy flow, and overall stability.
1. Basic Principles: How Tongue Position Affects Physiology and Breath
1.Tongue placement shapes the oral cavity and airway
With the tongue resting on the upper palate, the mouth closes naturally, allowing smoother and softer breathing during meditation.
2.Tongue posture influences nervous system responses
The tongue indirectly interacts with the vagus nerve. This posture helps the body shift into a calm, regulated state.
3.Reduces saliva production and swallowing
A stable tongue decreases unnecessary swallowing, reducing distractions during meditation.
2. Supporting Smooth and Continuous Breathing
1.Preventing mouth breathing and mental agitation
Mouth breathing tends to disturb the mind, while tongue–palate contact encourages nose breathing and deeper calm.
2.Helps the breath sink into the abdomen
This posture guides the breath downward, promoting grounding and stability.
3.Allows breathing to lengthen naturally
Steady, gentle breathing supports deeper focus and presence.
3. Energy Flow in Traditional Practice: Connecting Internal Pathways
1.The upper palate connects key energetic channels
In traditional Eastern teachings, placing the tongue on the palate “completes the energy circuit,” promoting smooth flow.
2.Balances head and body energy
This prevents excessive upward energy that causes dizziness or agitation.
3.Supports grounding and mental stability
The posture encourages energy to settle downward, reducing restlessness.
4. Enhancing Concentration: A Subtle Support for Mental Stability
1.A consistent anchor for the mind
Tongue stability helps the mind remain steady and less scattered.
2.Tongue movement reflects mind movement
When the tongue is still, mental agitation is reduced.
3.Helps reduce internal distractions
Stabilizing tiny muscle movements increases clarity and focus.
5. How to Practice the Tongue–Palate Connection Properly
1.Lightly touch the top front area of the palate
No pressure is needed—just gentle contact.
2.Keep the mouth closed naturally with relaxed jaw
Teeth slightly apart, avoiding tension.
3.Relax and reset if tired
Do it naturally rather than forcing long durations.
Conclusion
Placing the tongue on the upper palate is a small but powerful element in meditation.
It stabilizes the breath, harmonizes energy, and supports concentration while reducing bodily distractions.
Mastering this simple gesture allows meditation to become deeper, steadier, and more effortless.
