Beginner’s Guide to Varun Mudra: Meaning, Benefits, and How to Practice

Feeling emotionally drained and overwhelmed. It might be due to constant stress at work, a difficult relationship, or unprocessed emotions. Your body may show it through constant fatigue, headaches, or restlessness. It’s your body screaming for rest and emotional recharge. Then you need to know more about Varun Mudra, how to practice it, and what it’s benefits are.

What is a Mudra?

Mudras are hand gestures that affect the flow of prana (life force) within the body. As each of the five fingers represents five elements:

• The Thumb represents the fire element
• The Index finger represents the air element
• The Middle finger represents the space element
• The Ring finger represents the earth element
• The Pinky finger represents the water element

Performing specific mudras can direct the flow of prana to parts of the body deficient in energy. Which can help you feel balanced on a mental, emotional, and physical level.

What is Varun Mudra?

Varun mudra is also known as the Jal Vardhak Mudra, as it increases the water element in the body. The water element is responsible for managing our emotions and thoughts. Water is like the nectar of life, it carries all the nutrients, oxygen, and hormones essential for the functioning of life.

An imbalance in the water element can cause us to suffer on both emotional and physical levels. It may manifest as mood swings, irritability, or a lack of emotions. This can also lead to dry skin, headaches, or digestive issues. Thus, it is especially beneficial for people with high vata.

Varun Mudra Benefits

Lubrication of Joints

If your joints have been feeling stiff and painful, then practicing this mudra helps to reduce the discomfort. It also supports your joints in the long term by allowing smooth and pain-free movement. Increasing the water content of the joint tissues prevents them from degenerating.

Glowing Skin

Performing this mudra helps to moisturise the skin by increasing the water content within the cells. This makes your skin look more lively, glowing, and clear. This mudra also helps in dealing with skin problems like acne, dry skin, or discoloration.

Balances excess vata

Excess of vata can lead to dry skin, joint stiffness, and anxiety. Performing this mudra balances the restless, hyperactive qualities of Vata, making you feel relaxed.

Balances the water element in the body

All of our body fluids, like plasma, blood, and saliva, are dependent on the water element in our bodies. This mudra promotes the healthy functioning of all organs and body systems. By promoting a healthy flow of these fluids within the body.

How to do Varuna Mudra?

Before performing this mudra, find a place that is quiet and comfortable. For performing this mudra:

• Try to sit up straight, preferably on a yoga mat. If required, you can also sit on a pillow or chair.
• Relax your neck, jaw, and shoulders.
• Once you are comfortable, rest your hands on your knees.
• Ensure that your palms are facing upwards and all fingers are straight.
• Slightly bend your little finger to connect with the tip of your thumb.

When not to do Varuna Mudra?

While practicing this mudra helps to improve your physical and emotional health in multiple ways, there are some situations where performing this mudra can lead to more harm than good.

Avoid doing this mudra if you have high kapha. Kapha dosha is related to water and earth elements. With high kapha, your body already has an excess of water element. And practicing this mudra can create further imbalance and increase lethargy.

Additionally, avoid practicing this mudra when experiencing symptoms of water retention, such as swelling or bloating.

Tips for Performing this Mudra

• Press your fingers together gently, and don’t push too hard.
• Take conscious, slow breaths while performing the mudra.
• It’s best to close your eyes while performing the mudra.
• For increased benefits, visualise the flow of water hydrating each cell of your body and energising them.
• Try to observe any feelings or sensations that might show up in your body.

The goal of practicing Varun mudra is to bring awareness back to your body. Increase the hydration levels, calm your nervous system, and release the negative emotions from your body. Practicing this mudra daily can help you connect with your emotions and bring clarity.

Also Read:- Kendra Houses in Astrology

FAQs (frequently asked questions)

Q1. Are there any side effects of Varuna mudra?

If you are dealing with symptoms related to excess kapha, like excess cough and cold, then practicing this mudra can make your symptoms worse.

Q2. How long will it take to experience the effects of Varuna mudra?

Practicing this mudra can provide you with both immediate and long-term benefits. Initially, you may feel calm, and with consistent practice, you can experience health benefits like better skin, joint mobility, and emotional strength.

Q3. Can I combine Varuna mudra with other mudras or meditation practices?

You can pair this mudra with other yoga asanas, breathing exercises like pranayama, or meditation practice. For increased benefits and overall well-being.

Q4. Which chakra is stimulated by the Varuna mudra?

By practicing this mudra, you activate your sacral chakra. This chakra is associated with creativity and emotional balance. Which helps you reach your creative potential and balance your emotions.

Q5. How long can I meditate with this mudra?

Start by practicing this mudra for 6-8 breaths. As a beginner, do not try to push yourself too hard. Focus more on the quality of your breathing and holding a relaxed pose.