Varied benefits of Surya Agni
udras in yoga are known to provide healing powers to the body in order to alleviate physiological and emotional ailments. The basic theory behind mudras lies in each finger representing one of the five essential internal life forces or “Prana” — namely, earth, wind, water, ether, and fire; and, locking of the fingers in different ways impacts the flow of the prana in the body. Similarly, the pressure points at the tips of the fingers activate the meridian channels in the body.
Meridians are strings connecting acupuncture points, which are considered as passageways through which life energy or Prana flows in the body. Therefore, meridians are more or less what we call nadis in yoga. In yogic science, it is believed that our bodies are made up of five fundamental elements like the air, earth, water, fire, and space. Any imbalances, called doshas, in these elements are bound to lead to health problems. In my previous articles on mudras, I have covered the elements of wind and water, and this week, I will focus on the fire or “Agni” element.
Fire is the element of transformation. Since its discovery as far back as 1.7 million years ago, it’s been central to how we humans and our eating habits have evolved. Our digestive system has certainly changed over time, and has played an important role in shaping our imagination, thinking and living habits too. Unfortunately, our eating and lifestyle habits counter what we want, and are always struggling to shed the extra weight that we put on. Fortunately, we we all have an “inner fire” that gives us the power to make change when we need to.
Speaking of ‘inner fire’, each of us have an energetic ‘wheel’ or ‘vortex’ known as the “Manipura Chakra” or the Solar Plexus located in the centre of the abdomen. You could think of Manipura Chakra as a wheel of fire in the belly, governing aspects of us related to power, digestion, decision making and self-confidence.
The “Agni Mudra” or the ‘fire gesture’ symbolises the power to change, whatever ‘change’ means to you. Change might come in the form of transforming scattered and anxious thoughts into a focused and optimistic vision; it might look like stopping one unhealthy habit and replacing it with a beneficial one. As with many mudras, practicing the symbolic gesture can be done anywhere, and serves as a reminder to believe in yourself, and know that you can transform any mindset or situation you find yourself in. In the weight loss process, several people find difficulty in reducing fat due to poor digestive health.
The fire element present in the Agni or Surya mudra is known to improve digestion by regulating body temperature and reducing the earth (store/gain) element of the body by boosting the metabolism to burn off the fat. In ayurvedic terms this mudra increases the fire element and reduces the earth or Kapha element. It is also called as ‘Agni Vardhak Mudra’ the mudra that increases Pitta fire or ‘Prithvi shamak Mudra’, the mudra that decreases Kapha Earth. You should avoid this mudra or practice in moderation if you are suffering from indigestion or acidity.
Regular practice of Agni mudra when accompanied by disciplined eating as per ayurvedic diet plan can significantly aid in faster fat reduction.