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Abhay Kumar Shah  reveals some effective mudras for those suffering from ocular hypertension and glaucoma 

Studies tell us that one out of every ten people is heading towards glaucoma, the end result of which could be blindness. It’s frightening, isn’t it? People above forty are more at risk. 

The most common cause of glaucoma is ocular hypertension. ‘Ocular’ means anything related to the eyes or vision, and ‘hypertension’ means increased pressure. Our eyes produce a fluid called aqueous humour, which keeps them lubricated. It is drained out through channels called angles. In some people, the production of this fluid and its drainage is imbalanced, i.e., the production is higher than the drainage capacity of the channels. This is due to the narrowing of the channels or their complete blockage. The situation is very similar to that of a balloon in which we keep pouring water; the more the water, the higher the pressure. A time comes when the balloon cannot take the pressure and bursts. Likewise, the excess fluid increases the pressure in the eyes and creates ocular hypertension. A constant increase in the pressure increases the risk of damaging the optic nerve, which results in loss of vision. 

An early diagnosis coupled with the practice of Mudra Shastra can save one’s vision. 

Mudras to avoid ocular hypertension and glaucoma 

• Jal Shaamak Mudra 

This mudra decreases the production of fluids in the body. Practising it can rectify the balance between the production and the drainage of the aqueous humour. 

Touch the tip of the little finger to the root of the thumb. Put the thumb on the back of the little finger. Keep the remaining three fingers comfortably straight. Place the back of the palms on the thighs or knees. 

Practise for 16 minutes, thrice a day. 

• Vyana Mudra

This mudra clears blockages. Avoid its practice after sunset for it will disturb sleep.

Touch the tips of the index and the middle finger to the tip of the thumb. Keep the remaining two fingers comfortably straight. Place the back of the palms on the thighs or knees. 

Practise for 16 minutes, thrice a day. 

• Prana Mudra

This is one of the important mudras for maintaining the health of the eyes. 

Touch the tips of the ring and the little finger to the tip of the thumb. Keep the remaining two fingers comfortably straight. Place the back of the palms on the thighs or knees. 

Practise for 16 minutes, twice a day. 

• Jnana Mudra

The thickness of the cornea is of prime importance in bearing the intraocular pressure and so is the health of the optic nerve. Jnana Mudra is a boon for healing these parts of the eyes. It also corrects the systemic issues in our body. 

Touch the tip of the index finger to the tip of the thumb. Keep the remaining three fingers comfortably straight. Place the back of the palms on the thighs or knees. 

Practise for 16 minutes, twice a day. 

• Samaan Mudra 

Combining the energy of all the five elements produces a laser-like beam of energy. Putting Samaan Mudra on closed eyelids can heal many eye problems. 

Touch the tips of all the fingers to the tip of the thumb. Put the fingers in this gesture on the eyes. (Give support to the elbows if necessary.) 

Bonus tip 

I am revealing a secret—a well-tried unique recipe. Those who are suffering from ocular hypertension must try this. Before going to bed, use some sticking tape to hold the fingers in the gesture of Jnana Mudra. Do the same on the next night with Prana Mudra, and successively with each mudra every night. It will be enormously helpful. 

Suggestions 

• Reduce screen time. 

• Consume less water after sunset. 

• Finish dinner before sunset. 

• Consume asafoetida (hing) in your meals. 

• Avoid leafy vegetables in the rainy season.