The Pushan Mudra

You may take up any other Mudra or not; although all are equally beneficial. But please practice this ‘One Mudra’. Daily.

Pushan Mudra helps regulate the body’s digestive functions.

Pushan ‘the nourisher.’

Associated with the Sun, the source of energy and nourishment.

Each hand forms a different gesture to work together to support the digestive system. Regular practice may support nutrient absorption, and assist the body’s natural elimination process.

Right Hand (Vyan Mudra)

Touch the tips of the index and middle fingers to the thumb. Other fingers remain extended.Represents the body’s ability to take in nutrients from food and distribute them throughout the body.

Left Hand (Apana Mudra)

Apana Mudra by touching the tips of the middle and ring fingers to the thumb. This gesture represents the process of elimination, highlighting the body’s ability to remove waste and toxins.

Since all health matters (including the afflictions) begin with food intake, this can be called the ‘Mother Mudra’.

Helps good digestion, elimination of waste, and good appetite. Better Energy the entire day...

Please give it a try. And form this as a Habit... if you believe...

. . . . xxxx . . . .

The Showstoppers

You might like to share your stories/articles through my ‘Publication: Wistfully yours’ if & when you ‘feel nostalgic’ about your fragrant past!

My Newsletter ‘Beyond the Barriers’ with one or two short compelling articles (each edition) will let you think about wonderful facets of life.

https://medium.com/wistfully-yours/newsletters/beyond-the-barriers-mindset-inner-freedom

My Good Health Series, Part- 3: Just One Mudra. Must for your own Good.. was originally published in Wistfully Yours on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Sesame, Sunflower, Flax, Pumpkin, Chia, and Watermelon Seeds are added to an overnight soaked mix of dry fruits. Everything together is then put through the grinder. Heat up a little...

Energy, fibre, vitamins, minerals, proteins... and what not! in just one Bowl.

What a lovely taste full of all that we need, to begin a successful day.

It put me back on rails, post GBS debilitation...

Please do give it a try. You will NOT regret... and won’t curse me!!

Thank you...

The Showstoppers

You might like to share your stories/articles through my ‘Publication: Wistfully yours’ if & when you ‘feel nostalgic’ about your fragrant past!

My Newsletter ‘Beyond the Barriers’ with one or two short compelling articles (each edition) will let you think about wonderful facets of life. https://medium.com/wistfully-yours/newsletters/beyond-the-barriers-mindset-inner-freedom

Note: Both pictures by me.

My Good Health Series, Part- 2: No food better than this ‘One Bowl’… was originally published in Wistfully Yours on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Ayurveda teaches that mindful and purposeful water consumption helps preserve Agni (digestive fire), maintain dosh balance, and promote overall wellness. Below are a few practical ways...

1. Sit Down While Drinking Water

• Promotes proper digestion and absorption.
• Helps the body stay calm and relaxed.
• Reduces risk of joint and kidney issues in the long term.

2. Drink Water Slowly, Sip by Sip: help it reach each cell...

• Sipping slowly hydrates the body effectively.
• Supports saliva mixing with water, aiding digestion.
• Reduced burden on the kidneys due to sudden deluge from top.

3. Drink Warm or Room Temperature Water

• Warm water supports metabolism and detoxification.
• Chilled water can extinguish Agni (digestive fire) slowing the digestion.
• Particularly beneficial during meals or after waking up.
• Helps prevent congestion and Kapha imbalances

4. Drink Only When Thirsty... body will call/ask...

• Listen to your body’s natural thirst signals.
• Avoid overhydration, which can dilute digestive juices.
• Individual needs differ based on dosha, climate, and activity level.

5. Avoid Drinking Large Amounts Right Before or After Meals

• Avoid drinking water during meals.
• But if you have to, drink small sips to aid digestion.
• Avoid large quantities 30 minutes before or after eating.
• Helps maintain the strength of Jatharagni (digestive fire).

6. Start Your Day with Lukewarm Water

• Helps flush out accumulated toxins (Ama) from the digestive tract.
• Stimulates bowel movements.
• Kick-starts metabolism gently.

7. Use Copper, Glass or Silver Vessels to Store Water

• Copper vessels purify water and balance the three doshas.
• Silver vessels are cooling and beneficial for Pitta types.
• Allow water to rest in the vessel overnight for best results.

Flout any of the above, afflictions may make inroads.. slowly... very...

Water Drinking Trivia

For better health...

Please sit down to drink water.

Milk must be had while standing... and...

Being an Engineer (sensible, I suppose), I state this... ‘eGFR... is an Empirical formula with many suppositions. Let us take it as an advice only’... Therefore, drink water when body asks you...

The Showstoppers

You might like to share your stories/articles through my ‘Publication: Wistfully yours’ if & when you ‘feel nostalgic’ about your fragrant past!

My Newsletter ‘Beyond the Barriers’ with one or two short compelling articles (each edition) will let you think about wonderful facets of life. https://medium.com/wistfully-yours/newsletters/beyond-the-barriers-mindset-inner-freedom

My Good Health Series, Part- 1: Water - Our Best friend and Worst Enemy… was originally published in Wistfully Yours on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Avowal: You meet them every now & then; these ‘Altruistic people’. GBS hit me last year. Ms Ramaa, about whose Home I have written an article a few days earlier, about (Golu)... came to learn of the remnants still persisting. She sent me a few magnets and little tape; to be attached to the fingers still affected (Pictures by Ms Ramaa being used with her kind permission). Also asked me to practice these five Mudras. She didn’t know that I do practice some Hasta Mudras. Now onto the story...

Mudras are Sacred Gestures mentioned in Vedic Texts created thousands of years ago. Mudras harness Energy within. Take up if have faith... I do...

One can notice (if we know what Mudras are) many a Celebrity from across continents in Mudra pose even when speaking on public platforms.

Basic Premises of Mudras

1. Hands release electrical energy through fingers as loose wires. Mudras make the circuit complete and infuse life into us.
2. Harness that energy to pre-empt any ailment entering our body. And help cure any that might have slipped into us.
3. No side effects of Mudras. But, there is no scientific research available with me; perhaps anyone.
4. Be seated. Spine straight. Breath deliberately. Press fingers gently.
5. Do a Mudra for 10 minutes a day to begin with. Later may increase.

My experience with mudras has been very satisfactory. For strengthening the Nerves and reducing joint pain. Here are Five Powerful Mudras...

The Nerve Strengthening Mudras

1. Adi Mudra

• Keep your arms on your thighs or knees with palms facing down.
• Press thumb against your palm..touch the base of the little finger joint.
• Then clench other fingers to wrap around the thumb, forming a fist.
• Maintain slight pressure in your fist, evenly across the palm.

After finishing rub both hands together for a while and gently touch the palms over your face.

2. Chin mudra

The body becomes aware of breathing, prana energy flows smothly, helps clear the mental chaos, and also helps build self-confidence.

• Curl and place your hands on the knees, palms facing up.
• Bring out the index and thumb and join them at the tips.
• Do this mudra for at least 10 minutes.
• Once completed, detach your index and thumb.
• Keep in the position for some time to assimilate its after-effects.

3. Varun Mudra

Keeps the body hydrated, balances the water content, helps in reducing cholesterol, purifies the blood, lubricates the joints, moisturizes dry eyes, and helps the skin glow.

• Close your eyes & keep your hands on the knees, palms facing upwards.
• Join the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger on both hands. The rest of the fingers will remain relaxed yet straight.
• Practice this mudra for 10–15 minutes.
• Separate your fingers after the session is over.

The Mudras for Reducing Joint Pain

4. Vayu Mudra

Designed to help balance air element in the body. Practised for regulating the movement of energy and support the proper flow of prana.

• Hands on your knees or thighs with your palms facing upward.
• Fold your index finger so that its tip touches the base of your thumb.
• Gently press the index finger with your thumb.
• Keep the remaining three fingers extended but relaxed.
• Breathe slowly and naturally.

5. Sandhi Mudra

Strengthens joints, ligaments, and connective tissues. Improves flexibility in fingers, hands, and wrists. Enhances circulation and pranic flow to joints. Helps reduce stiffness and prevent degenerative joint conditions. Reduces stress associated with physical discomfort or stiffness. Enhances mind-body connection and awareness of physical alignment.

• Place the palms, face-up, on your knees or thighs.
• Keep your spine and head straight, shoulders relaxed.
• Right Hand: Join tips of Ring Finger and Thumb together.
• Left Hand: Join tips of Middle Finger and Thumb together.

Epilogue

Excess of air within the body (called ‘Vayu’ in the Sanskrit) is one of the main reasons for joint pain... including pain in the heart region. Before performing the Sandhi Mudra, do the Vayu Mudra.

For tingling sensation anywhere in the human body we must practice the Varun Mudra, The Adi Mudra and the Chin Mudra. Water reaches all parts of the body thereby lubricating nerves.

I am practicing them regularly. And am finding change, albeit slowly. It takes 6–8 weeks for visible effect...

The Mudra Trivia

If you practice the ‘Hakini Mudra’... you can get ‘Clairvoyance abilities’. And with the ‘Surabhi Mudra’... make your ‘Wishes come true’. Just Believe...

The Showstoppers

You might like to share your stories/articles through my ‘Publication: Wistfully yours’ if & when you ‘feel nostalgic’ about your fragrant past!

My Newsletter ‘Beyond the Barriers’ with one or two short compelling articles (each edition) will let you think about wonderful facets of life. https://medium.com/wistfully-yours/newsletters/beyond-the-barriers-mindset-inner-freedom

If you care for yourself, then please practice these Five Mudras: I practice them for Nerves and… was originally published in Wistfully Yours on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Prelude

When attempting to learn more about The Angkorean Temples, I found that those Yogis of yore had immense knowledge of life. And of Stones. Of Sculpting... and much more!!

And they also knew how to create a paste which when dry, became as hard if not harder than ‘stone’. But they did not utilise it as adhesive between the stones. They let ‘Gravity’ sustain each stone one over the other...

VajraLepa

The diamond paste or adamantine coating was an ancient Indian bio-polymeric cement and glue. It was used as a binding adhesive, weatherproofing sealant, and plaster in ancient architecture, stone temples, sculptures, and rock-cut monuments.

Structures built using Vajra Lepa have survived hundreds of years of extreme weather, heat, and moisture without eroding or losing structural integrity. It was taught at the Ancient Universities such as one at Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu (dysfunctional, evidence exists, though).

Historical References

The formula and preparation methods for Vajra Lepa were documented in ancient Indian Scriptures such as the Brihat Samhita (by Varahamihira, 6th century CE): Chapter 57 specifically covers Vajralepa. Mayamatam & Manasara, the two ancient architectural treatises (Shilpa Shastras) outlining construction techniques. (I possess the Mayamatam Books).

Agnipurana on the other hand documents adhesive recipes incorporating plant juices, resins, and organic binders.

Types and Key Constituents

Ancient texts classify Vajra Lepa into three primary formulations as Plant-Based (Herbal), Animal-Derived, and Metallic.

1. Herbal & Plant-Based Vajra Lepa

This variety relied on boiling herbal and botanical extracts to release natural biopolymers (lignin, cellulose, pectin, and tannins).

Boiled Herbal Decoction using Tinduka (Diospyros peregrina / River Ebony) which is high in tannins and pectin for crosslinking and Kapittha (Feronia limonia / Wood Apple)providing natural gum and high viscosity.

Also included were Shalmali (Salmalia malabarica/Silk Cotton Tree) to provide natural plant mucilage, and Sallaki / Kunduru (Boswellia serrata/ Indian Frankincense), the resinous base for hardening.

Vaca / Nagbala (Acorus calamus / Sweet Flag): Natural preservative and fungicide. Dhanvana / Grewia: Fiber-rich bark used to reinforce tensile strength. Guggulu (Commiphora mukul / Bdellium resin): Acts as a tacky, waterproof sealant. Sarja / Sal (Vateria indica / White Dammar resin): Provides elasticity, gloss, and water resistance.

Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium / Marking Nut resin): Natural pest repellent and strong binder. Atasi (Linum usitatissimum / Linseed oil): Drying oil that reacts with oxygen to form a flexible, waterproof polymer layer. Bilva (Aegle marmelos / Bael fruit pulp): Highly sticky mucilage that cures to a hard finish.

How It Worked

Polymerization: Heating plant sugars, proteins, and resins formed cross-linked natural polymers that hardened as they dried.

Waterproofing: Resins (Guggulu, Sarja) and oils (Linseed) repelled moisture, preventing freeze-thaw cracking and erosion.

Biodeterioration Resistance: Neem, Bhallataka, and Vaca prevented fungal growth, bacterial decay, and insect damage over centuries.

2. Animal-Derived Vajra Lepa

Used for heavy-duty adhesive applications, this formula incorporated animal proteins (collagen and keratin) with such ingredients as Powders of horn (cow, buffalo, goat), skin/hides (collagen source), Donkey hair (fiber reinforcement), and Cow milk (casein protein binder). It also incorporated Plant juices (Goundh - Gum) like Neem and Wood Apple (acting as natural curing agents and pest deterrents).

3. Metallic Vajra Lepa (Vajra-Sanghata)

Used for joining metals, setting gemstones, or binding metal structural rods inside stone joints with Lead (8 parts), Bronze (2 parts), and Brass (1 part). All these were Melted together to form an alloy cement.

Epilogue

While taking pictures at those Holy Angkorean Temples, I found that there was something that was (to my Civil Engineer’s mind) not quite adding up. Towards that, the colour and texture at some places varied as compared to the other parts of the sculptures. Though the quality of artistry in sculpting seemlessly matched.

Came back and got the two boolks by Ms Kramrisch and found the details thereof of the Vajra Lepa (of the first types mentioned here-in above)

Please sample these pictures taken by me...

Ancient Trivia

The Vedas are the repositories of all wisdom required to lead a purposeful life. From Airplanes to the Atom, and the terrestrial world up there. In stead, same knowledge was rediscovered in other parts of the world whereas the latter world could have made newer discoveries based upon/furthering those already available!.

Was it a deliberate misinformation spread by some forces inimical to existing wisdom... or... further discoveries... or both... who knows?!

. . . . . xxx. . . .

The Showstoppers

You might like to share your stories/articles through my ‘Publication: Wistfully yours’ if & when you ‘feel nostalgic’ about your fragrant past!

My Newsletter ‘Beyond the Barriers’ with one or two short compelling articles will let you think about wonderful facets of life. https://medium.com/wistfully-yours/newsletters/beyond-the-barriers-mindset-inner-freedom

The VajraLepa: Tougher than Stone... was originally published in Wistfully Yours on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.