As the name of the Mudra suggests, Surya Mudra quite literally means ‘sun gesture’, and it is associated with the power of the sun. It is regarded as one of the most important mudras to practice regularly in yoga and is also one of the easiest to learn. Belonging to the category of Hasta Mudras, which means hand gestures, the practice involves the position of your fingers in a specific manner. As the name suggests, the Surya mudra strengthens Agni or the fire element in your body, relieving any buildup of Kapha and associated health disorders. This is why it is also often described as the Agni Mudra.
Mudras may be used to promote a variety of health benefits, improving the flow of Prana to support specific bodily functions and restore the balance of doshas. Surya Mudra is one of the best Hasta Mudras for you to add to a beginner routine because it benefits every aspect of your health.
Health Benefits of Surya Mudra
Not surprisingly, most of the Surya Mudra benefits are associated with its connection to the sun and heat energy, strengthening Agni. Some of these Surya Mudra benefits for your health include:
- Improved metabolism, leading to stronger digestion and better appetite regulation.
- This provides relief from indigestion and related health conditions, also making it easier to digest heavy foods.
- As the liver plays a critical role in the metabolism of fats, the digestive benefits also help strengthen liver function.
- Enhanced liver function and metabolism helps to lower cholesterol levels, but this requires consistent practice for at least twenty minutes twice a day.
- Metabolic boost also improves energy levels and benefits functions such as body temperature regulation.
- Most metabolic syndrome disorders are linked to Kapha aggravation, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. As Surya Mudra pacifies Kapha, it can aid weight loss and also lowers the risk of such lifestyle diseases.
- Because of its metabolic benefits, Surya Mudra is not surprisingly regarded as beneficial for the relief of thyroid disorders, but this benefit can be enhanced by moving the hands towards the neck, bringing the ring finger to rest against the thyroid gland just in front of the neck.
- As a heating force, Surya Mudra increases Pitta, making it helpful for treating Kapha disorders or Pitta deficiencies.
- By boosting Pitta and Agni, it reduces Kapha buildup, which can otherwise promote lethargy and sluggishness. This makes it useful for raising energy levels.
- As vision is connected to the fire element or Agni, regular practice of Surya Mudra can also improve and protect your vision.
- Reduction of excess Kapha and improved metabolism also lowers the risk of diabetic complications and problems like water retention or edema.
Surya Mudra benefits are not limited to the physical body, but it is also beneficial for the mind and spirit.
- Regular practise of this Mudra helps to promote relaxation and relieves feelings of stress and anxiety.
- It can boost levels of alertness and helps improve focus and mental clarity.
- Over time, regular practise increases mindfulness and helps to strengthen your intuition.
- Strengthening mental focus through the practise can also make it easier to cultivate healthy habits and give up bad ones.
As should be evident from the Surya Mudra benefits described above, the practice is literally beneficial for every aspect of health and wellbeing. However, it is particularly helpful for anyone seeking natural relief from problems like obesity, high cholesterol, fatigue or lethargy, anxiety or depression, edema, thyroid disorders, and problems with vision. Of course, Surya Mudra alone will not suffice as a treatment for all of these health conditions and you should also seek advice from a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.
This article is reviewed by Suchitra Marwah
