Jal –vardhak or Varun mudra

Popularly known as Varun mudra, this mudra increases the Jal(water) element with in the body.

Method: this mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb and the little finger.

Effects: Jal-vardhak(varun) mudra increases the Jal (water) element with in the body.

Almost seventy percent of the body is water. Thus water is the most abundant element in the body, being present in the protoplasm of cells, extra-cellular fluid, ,lymph, blood, tears saliva, mucous, digestive juices, enzymes, hormones, semen cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) etc.

A deficiency of water in the body would result in dehydration of tissues. Performance of ajl-vardhak mudra increase the water content of the body by suitably affecting the water-matabolism. Thus , it helps to rehydrate cells, tissues, muscles, skin, joint-cartialge, etc.

The element water is also associated with tongue and taste. Tehrfore , this mudra can be used to overcome disorders like loss of taste –sense,, dryness of mouth, etc.

Water is also a component of two bodily humors: Pitta and Kapha . Practice of Jal-vardhak mudra increases these humors. People with a promounce Pitta+Kapha constitution shuld perform this mudra in moderation. On the other hand, people with a Vaata constitution(dosha) can derive immense benefits form the practice of this mudra.

Benefits: jal-vardhak (varun) mudra can be used to overcome the following disorders :

1. Dryness of eyes,
2. Dryness of the digestive tract(mouth, throat and intestines),
3. Indigestion
4. 4constipation,
5. Dryness of the skin leading to cracks, dry eczema, psoriasis, etc.,
6. Degeneration of joint-cartilage, Osteo-Arthritis
7. Anaemia,
8. cramps, dehydration,
9. deficiency of hormones,
10. scanty urination(oliguria),
11. Scanty semen(oligospermia),
12. scanty menses (oligomenorrhoea),
13. Loss of taste sensation tongue-disorders,
14. disorders of vatta-exces (see (vaayu-shaamak mudra)

Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in 3 parts(i.e, for 15 minutes, thrice a day).

Ideal time: None

Precaution: people having water-retention in their bodies or people with a Pitta +Kapha constitution should perform this mudra moderately, if at all