Benefits of Varun Mudra (Jala Mudra) and How to Do it By Dr. Ankit Sankhe

Introduction

Yoga is not only a science but also an art that guides us to a healthy lifestyle. Yoga is an ancient method which brings harmony between the mind and body. In yoga, mudras are often performed with pranayama (breathing techniques) to stimulate different parts of our body and mind. Mudras are gestures that promote and guide internal energy. Mudras express our inner feelings through various postures with our fingers, hands, head and body. They may enhance body functions by serving as catalysts. Hastha mudra is a type of mudra based on gestures done by the fingers and hands. It is the most accessible form of mudras and can be done by one and all^1,2. Let us learn in detail about the varun mudra. 

What Is Varun Mudra?

Varun mudra is also called the mudra of water or jala mudra. Water plays an essential part in our lives. In Sanskrit, varun means rain. Varun mudra is performed to balance the water element in our body. 

In Ayurveda, the little finger is said to represent the water element. Thus, varun mudra is performed using the little finger and thumb^2,3. 

How To Do It?

The steps to perform varun mudra are as follows: 

• Sit comfortably in a vajrasana (kneeling pose) or padmasana (lotus pose). Vajrasana is a position where you kneel on the floor with your toes and ankles aligned and sit on the back of your legs as you exhale. Padmasana is a position in which you sit in a cross-legged manner with your feet on opposite thighs. 
• Relax your head, neck, and shoulders. 
• Keep your spine as erect as possible. 
• Make sure your palms are facing upward. 
• Now, move the tip of your little fingers forward and place it on top of the thumbs. 
• Apply slight pressure from the little finger to the thumb. Make sure not to exert excess pressure. 
• Keep the remaining three fingers of each hand straight but relaxed. 
• Close your eyes. Focus on your breathing as you inhale and exhale.  
• Practise this mudra for 20-30 minutes preferably early in the morning^3,4. 

Benefits of Varun Mudra

Potential benefits of varun mudra are: 

1. Benefits of Varun mudra for skin conditions

• Benefits of Varun mudra for acne vulgaris 

Acne vulgaris commonly referred to as pimples and is prevalent in teenagers and young adults. A review⁵ by Sharanamma et al. 2018 stated that varun mudra, along with other therapies, may be beneficial in treating acne vulgaris. However, further research is necessary to prove its efficacy on acne. Hence, it is better to have a doctor if you suffer from acne. 

• Benefits of Varun mudra for psoriasis 

Psoriasis is a skin condition characterised by flaky, itchy skin patches on the scalp, elbows and knees. A study⁶ was conducted by Kumar et al. in 2017 to see the effect of yoga on psoriasis management. The study showed that varun mudra and other therapies might help in psoriasis. However, this study was conducted on a small scale and more evidence is required to prove its efficacy in managing psoriasis. Therefore, please consult your doctor for better health outcomes. 

• Benefits of Varun mudra for skin rashes 

Rastogi et al., in 2022 on Yagyopathy of skin rashes, evaluated the effect of varun mudra on skin rashes⁷. The Vedic scriptures describe Yagyopathy or Yagya therapy as treating various physiological, psychological, emotional and spiritual ailments and diseases through fire ceremony (yagya). The results of the study record that the varun mudra may be beneficial for reducing skin rashes. However, further studies are required to check the impact of varun mudra on skin rashes. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you notice rashes on your skin. 

2. Benefits of Varun mudra for irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder that results in stomach pain, diarrhoea and constipation. A study⁸ was conducted by Berry et al. in 2020 to see the effect of varun mudra, along with other therapies, on patients suffering from IBS. The study explained that varun mudra and other medical treatments might be beneficial in managing and reducing the symptoms of IBS. Although varun mudra may be a safe and efficient way to manage IBS, more research is needed. Always consult a doctor if you are showing any symptoms of IBS. 

3. Benefits of Varun mudra for the lungs

A study⁹ by Singh K in 2015 showed that the hastha mudra might positively affect the respiratory system. Further, this Varun mudra and other mudras may reduce cough, cold and bronchial infections. However, further studies are needed to confirm all these effects of varun mudra on humans. If you have any respiratory problems consult your doctor and do not self-medicate. 

4. Other benefits of Varun mudra

Other potential benefits of varun mudra are: 

• It may be used to manage stress disorders like anxiety and depression. 
• It may reduce muscle pain. 
• It may be performed to reduce gastric issues^6,9,10. 

Yoga practice might be helpful to stimulate the mind and body. It should not be used as an alternative to any medicine. One should not rely on yoga alone to treat any condition. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional who will be able to assess your situation correctly. Moreover, it is essential to practice and learn yoga under the supervision of a certified yoga teacher to avoid any injuries.   

Risks of Varun Mudra

There are no risks or contraindications that have been investigated or reported yet. However, it is essential to take necessary precautions before performing varun mudra. The following are the precautions to consider: 

• One should practice varun mudra in moderation if you have high kapha (sluggishness, lack of motivation, heaviness in the mind and body). 
• Pregnant women should practice this mudra with extra precautions. 
• Children and the elderly should perform varun mudra under the guidance of a yoga teacher. 
• If you are performing varun mudra for any health disorders, make sure not to replace it with traditional care or medicine. Consult a doctor before self-medicating or replacing any type of medication for yoga. 
• You should not practice varun mudra for a long time in a single sitting especially if you are a beginner⁴. 

Also Read: Benefits of Vayu Mudra and How to Do it By Dr. Ankit Sankhe

Conclusion

Varun mudra is a hastha mudra (hand gesture) that believed to maintain the water element of our body. Mudras are simple gestures that may be vital to stimulating and evolving our minds and bodies. Varun mudra may help manage skin conditions like acne vulgaris, skin rashes and psoriasis, breathing disorders like colds, cough, and bronchial infections, and the potential management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it is recommended to perform varun mudra under professional guidance. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Sunitha S, CP S. Mudra therapy and its classification. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research (IJHSR). 2021;11(1):118-26., https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR_Vol.11_Issue.1_Jan2021/IJHSR16.pdf. 
2. Singh G, Dar MI. Yog mudras, Origin, Types and benefits. Yog Mudras, origin, types and benefits – ignited minds journals. 2018  http://ignited.in/I/a/150625  
3. Mukhopadhyay DK. Bandha (inner lock)-mudra (hand gesture): Essences of Optimizing Health. International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology. 2021Nov;293–308. https://ijarsct.co.in/A2124.pdf 
4. Vandali V, Biradar RB. Yoga Mudras: Benefits. International Journal of Advances in Nursing Management. 2018;6(4):324-8.https://doi.org/10.5958/2454-2652.2018.00074.4.  
5. The Yoga Institute. Best seven yoga mudras for your glowing skin [Internet]. The Yoga Institute; [cited 2026 May 7]. Available from: https://theyogainstitute.org/best-seven-yoga-mudras-for-your-glowing-skin 
6. Kumar K, Vyas MK, Baghel AS, Bhadiyadra B, Goswami C. PSORIASIS & ITS MANAGEMENT THROUGH YOGA. Pharma Science Monitor. 2017 Apr 1;8(2). https://web.s.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&profile=ehost&scope=site&authtype=crawler&jrnl=09769242&AN=124809996&h=aqaJyyjg1mu%2bHFab9w0hITGODoBoew8DX1P7whunHJ4QVKfYtu8yrStRSaJrd8u9o2T9beTy5aY%2fCCyuJK5xEg%3d%3d&crl=c&resultNs=AdminWebAuth&resultLocal=ErrCrlNotAuth&crlhashurl=login.aspx%3fdirect%3dtrue%26profile%3dehost%26scope%3dsite%26authtype%3dcrawler%26jrnl%3d09769242%26AN%3d124809996  
7. Rastogi R, Tandon N, Rajeshwari T, Moorjani P, Malvi S. Yagyopathy Holistic Science for Various Solutions: A Scientific Phenomenon with Modern Healthcare, QoL and Society 5.0. InSociety 5.0: Smart Future Towards Enhancing the Quality of Society 2022 May 22 (pp. 229-274). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-19-2161-2_12  
8. Berry B, Dogra M. Psychoneurobics Therapy In Treatment Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Or Irritable Bowel Disease. Research Inspiration. 2020 Dec 30;6(I):01-9. http://www.researchinspiration.com/index.php/ri/article/view/110  
9. Singh K. Hasta Mudra’s and respiratory system. Int J Phys Educ Sports Health. 2015;1:83-6. http://www.kheljournal.com/archives/2015/vol1issue6/PartB/1-6-5.pdf  
10. Vishwakarma A. Dance Movement Therapy and Kathak in India. Sanglap: Journal of Literary and Cultural Inquiry. 2022 Jun 7;8(2):57-69. https://sanglap-journal.in/index.php/sanglap/article/view/209/345  

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