The Therapeutic Effects of Viparita Karani Mudra on Non-Communicable Diseases

Authors

  • Nidhi 1Research Scholar, Department of Panchakarma, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India Author
  • Jai Prakash singh Professor, Department of Panchakarma, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Author
  • Meera antiwal Assistant Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India Author
  • Pranshu kumar maurya Assistant Professor, Department of Yoga, Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Kumhari, Chhattisgarh, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/IRJAY.2025.80512

Keywords:

Chakras,, Holistic Health,, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viparita Karani,, Yoga Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To explore the physiological and energetic effects of inverted yogic posture – Viparita Karani Mudra in  managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 

Methods: A review of classical yogic texts (Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita) combined with an analysis of  recent scientific literature was conducted to assess the impact of these asanas on various body systems. 

Observations: These postures enhance circulation, stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, regulate thyroid and  autonomic nervous systems, and promote upward movement of Pranic energy. Clinical studies report reduced stress,  improved immunity, and balanced cardiovascular parameters. 

Discussion: Viparita Karani integrates physical and energetic mechanisms, activating chakras and facilitating  parasympathetic dominance, thus supporting holistic health. Precautions are necessary for those with cervical or  ocular vulnerabilities. 

Conclusion: Inverted asanas serve as safe, complementary interventions in NCD management by harmonizing body,  mind, and energy systems and augmenting conventional treatments. 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

World Health Organization. Noncommunicable diseases. Geneva: WHO; 2022. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases [Last accessed on 2025 May 15].

Beaglehole R, Bonita R, Horton R, Adams C, Alleyne G, Asaria P, Baugh V, Bekedam H, Billo N, Casswell S, Cecchini M, Colagiuri R, Colagiuri S, Collins T, … & NCD Alliance. Priority actions for the non-communicable disease crisis. Lancet. 2011;377(9775):1438-47.

WHO. Global status report on noncommunicable diseases 2022. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2022.

Bloom DE, Cafiero ET, Jané-Llopis E, Abrahams-Gessel S, Bloom LR, Fathima S, Feigl AB, Gaziano T, Mowafi M, Pandya A, Prettner K, Rosenberg L, Seligman B, Stein AZ, Weinstein C. The global economic burden of non-communicable diseases. Geneva: World Economic Forum; 2011.

Central Bureau of Health Intelligence. National health profile 2019. New Delhi: Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; 2019.

Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, Laversanne M, Soerjomataram I, Jemal A, Bray F. Global cancer statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021;71(3):209-49.

International Diabetes Federation. IDF diabetes atlas. 10th ed. Brussels: International Diabetes Federation; 2021.

WHO. Depression and other common mental disorders: Global health estimates. Geneva: WHO; 2017.

Ng M, Fleming T, Robinson M, Thomson B, Graetz N, Margono C, Biryukov S, Abbafati C, Abera SF, Abraham JP, Abu-Rmeileh NM, Achoki T, AlBuhairan FS, Alemu ZA, … & Gakidou E. Global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults during 1980–2013: A systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 2013. Lancet. 2014;384(9945):766-81.

WHO. Global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013–2020. Geneva: WHO; 2013.

Tillu G, Salvi S, Patwardhan B. Ayush for COVID-19 management. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2020;11(2):95-6.

Yang K. A review of yoga programs for four leading risk factors of chronic diseases. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2007;4:487-91.

Available from: https://101yogasan.com/acidity/viparita-karani-mudra.htm?utm [Last accessed on 2025 Mar 19].

Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/viparita_karani?utm [Last accessed on 2025 Mar 19].

Muktibodhananda S. Hatha yoga pradipika. 2nd ed. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga; 1998. p. 398-401.

Saraswati S. Kundalini tantra. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga; 2005. p. 151-4.

Vasu SC, Translator. Gheranda samhita. Ch. 3., Ver. 49. Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers; 1999.

Saraswati SS. Asana pranayama mudra bandha. 4th ed. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga; 2008. p. 302.

Saraswati S. A systematic course in the ancient tantric techniques of yoga and kriya. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga; 1981. p. 265-7.

Iyengar BK. Light on yoga. New York: Schocken Books; 1979. p. 207-9.

Saraswati SS. Yoga and kriya: A systematic course in the ancient tantric techniques. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga; 2004. p. 383-6.

Saraswati SN. Prana and pranayama. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga; 2009. p. 215-7.

Bhavanani AB. Yoga chikitsa: Application of yoga as a therapeutic modality. Pondicherry: ICYER; 2011. p. 89-92.

Saraswati S. Kundalini tantra. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga; 2005. p. 110-5.

Saraswati S. Kundalini tantra. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga; 2005. p. 152-5.

Saraswati S. A systematic course in the ancient tantric techniques of yoga and kriya. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga; 1981. p. 265-70.

Muktibodhananda S. Hatha yoga pradipika. 2nd ed. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga; 1998. p. 400-3.

Saraswati N. Prana and pranayama. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga; 2009. p. 195-8.

Saraswati SS. Asana pranayama mudra bandha. 4th ed. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga; 2008. p. 302-6.

Iyengar BK. Light on yoga. New York: Schocken Books; 1979. p. 207-10.

Saraswati SS. Yoga and kriya. Munger: Bihar School of Yoga; 2004. p. 383-6.

Motoyama H. Theories of the chakras: Bridge to higher consciousness. Wheaton: Theosophical Publishing House; 1981. p. 110-3.

Wood E. Yoga. London: Penguin Books; 1957. p. 89-91.

Udupa KN, Singh RH. The scientific basis of yoga. JAMA. 1972;220(3):1365.

Brown RP, Gerbarg PL. Sudarshan kriya yogic breathing in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression: Part II – clinical applications and guidelines. J Altern Complement Med. 2005;11(4):711-7.

Avalon A. The serpent power. Madras: Ganesh and Co.; 1919. p. 210-20.

Sowjanya T, Thatikonda SD, Nagalla B. Objective evaluation of effects of different yoga techniques based on recording of electrical and mechanical activity of the heart. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. 2025;15:69-75.

Rawat SS. Effect of mudra and bandh on selected physiological variables. Int J Yogic Hum Mov Sports Sci. 2017;2(2):136-41.

Mishra SP, Singh RH. Effect of certain yogic asanas on the pelvic congestion and its anatomy. Anc Sci Life. 2014;33(3):162-6.

Bisht H. Benefits of viparita karani (leg up the wall) and how to do it. Ghatkopar: PharmEasy Blog; 2023.

Nandi P. The remarkable benefits of viparita karani: Enhance mind and body with legs up the wall pose. Mumbai: The Sleep Company; 2023.

Fox KC, Dixon ML, Nijeboer S, Girn M, Floman JL, Lifshitz M, Ellamil M, Sedlmeier P, Christoff K. Functional neuroanatomy of meditation: A review and meta-analysis of 78 functional neuroimaging investigations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2016;65:208-28.

Downloads

Published

2025-06-06

How to Cite

Nidhi, singh, J. P., antiwal, M., & kumar maurya, P. (2025). The Therapeutic Effects of Viparita Karani Mudra on Non-Communicable Diseases . International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga, 8(5), 69-72. https://doi.org/10.48165/IRJAY.2025.80512