Surya Mudra, also known as Agni Mudra, is a powerful hand formation that improves the digestive heat and energy in the body. It balances the fire element, improves circulation and is one of the best mudras for weight loss. Surya means the sun. Sun is the source of energy in the universe. Likewise, the sun is represented by the Solar plexus or the Manipura chakra in the body. In Ayurveda the agni or digestive pitta represents the heat in the body. Pitta is all the digestive juices including blood in the body. Agni mudra or Surya mudra activates all of these digestive juices positively. The fire element is related to vision, improving fire in the body, clears visual
problems.
In this article, we provide a deep look at how to perform the Surya Mudra, as well as its numerous benefits and important precautions.
What are Mudras?
Mudras are hand gestures that activate a certain element or energy in the body. The five fingers represent the five elements. The energy activation point lies on the fingertips. When the fingertips are connected, the subtle energy in your body gets activated. The thumb represents the fire element. This element represents agni within the body, and it serves to activate all the other elements.
The index finger represents air, middle finger ether, ring finger earth and the little finger represents the water element.
When different hand formations, or mudras, are formed, the combination of subtle elements has a powerful effect on the mind and body.
How Can Mudras Heal?
There is a spiritual force that mediates our mind-body connection. Ayurveda says that when the elements in our body are balanced, our bodies and minds are healthy. Whenever imbalance arises, we can attain balance by activating specific elements using various mudras. Acupuncture is another method that involves activating specific points in the body and improving the flow of energy. Mudras act in a similar way. The tips of our fingers act like electrical potential points, and when the mudras are formed, they create an electrical circuit that circulates energy throughout the body. As this energy circulates, we feel a healing effect. The most astonishing fact is that our brain uses about 60% of its surface area to process the movements and sensations of the hands.
RECOMMENDED: For a complete guide to the many mudras and their benefits, check out Healing Mudras: Yoga of the Hands by Yogi Nataraj.
How to Perform the Surya Mudra?
The Surya Mudra activates the fire element within the body. Fold the ring finger in such a way that the tip of the ring finger touches the base of the thumb. Cover the ring finger with the thumb and gently press the middle half the ring finger with the thumb. Practice this mudra for about 15-20 minutes.
The Surya mudra is useful for:
- Improving digestion
- Improves vision
- Improves circulation
- Tejas the component of intelligence is activated by this mudra
- This mudra actuates the pineal, pituitary, thyroid and parathyroid glands
- For all constipation related issues, Sūrya mudrā is the best.
- Useful for skin ailments and itching
- Enhancing the endocrine system
- Relives constipation
When the ring finger and thumb are pressed properly the pineal and pituitary glands are activated. The thyroid and parathyroid glands are also activated leading to a great improvement in digestion. Practicing sūrya mudrā even 10 – 20 minutes a day will help reduce fat in the body. This mudrā is beneficial for asthma, cold, sinus, TB, pneumonia.
Surya mudra is a primary mudra for weight loss. Therefore those who are very obese can practice this mudra for a longer time. Surya mudra improves the flow and digestion of fat. You can compare this to the slow burning of a candle melting fat in the body.
Precautions When Practicing Surya Mudra
Surya mudra should not be practiced if you have very high acidity, you sweat very quickly or when your body is too hot due to exposure to the sun. Make sure you do not do this mudra too long in the summer.
Suggested Sequence
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Join your hands in a prayerful, meditative position.
- Straighten your back.
- Fold the ring finger in such a way that the tip of the ring finger touches the base of the thumb, as shown.
- Cover the ring finger with the thumb and gently press the middle half the ring finger with the thumb.
- Hold the Surya Mudra for 10-20 minutes.
- Join your hands together and end with a prayer.
What Chakras Does Surya Mudra Activate?
Manipura chakra or the solar plexus indicates the fire element. The fire element is activated with the Surya mudra. When we also add the bija or the seed mantra for this chakra then we get a very powerful activation of the fire element and the Manipura Chakra. The Bija or the seed mantra is “Ram”
Related Mudras
- Linga Mudra
- Kundalini Mudra
- Hakini Mudra
- Samana Mudra
Related Yoga Poses
Most of the yoga poses do improve digestion and heat in the body complementing the Surya Mudra. The Sun salutations, Paschimottanasa (Seated forward bend), Kurmasana (Tortoise pose), Veerabhadrasana (warrior pose), Shoulder stand (sarvangasana) are all very beneficial and activate the fire element and complement the Surya mudra.
List of Mudra Guides
Mudras are very beneficial when performed with proper understanding. Mudras deal with individual elements, combinations of elements, the vital airs, the vital functions and even moods and feelings. Regular practice of each mudra based on our needs and present condition can help us achieve the specific results we are looking for. Please explore our various mudra guides and try out the practices that suit your needs
Chakra Mudras
- Mudras for the Root Chakra
- Mudras for the Sacral Chakra
- Mudras for the Navel Chakra
- Mudras for the Heart Chakra
- Mudras for the Throat Chakra
- Mudras for the Third-eye Chakra
- Mudras for the Crown Chakra
Mudra Sequences
Individual Mudra Guides
- Abhaya Mudra
- Adi Mudra
- Agni Mudra
- Akasha Mudra
- Anjali Mudra
- Apana Vayu Mudra
- Bhumisparsha Mudra
- Brahma Mudra
- Dharmachakra Mudra
- Dhyan Mudra
- Ganesha Mudra
- Gyan Mudra
- Kundalini Mudra
- Lotus Mudra
- Musti Mudra
- Prana Mudra
- Prithvi Mudra
- Rudra Mudra
- Shakti Mudra
- Shankha Mudra
- Shunya Mudra
- Udana Vayu Mudra
- Uttarabodhi
- Varada Mudra
- Vayu Mudra
- Vitarka Mudra
- Yoni Mudra