Agni Mudra and its Benefits

Himalayan Yoga Nepal is delighted to present an article on ‘Agni Mudra and its Benefits‘ to provide simple yet insightful facts to readers. Mudras have been a crucial part of yoga and meditation practices for thousands of years in ancient Hinduism and Buddhism traditions in Nepal and India. Mudras can be found in various forms. In a simple word, Mudra is a symbolic representation of hand or body gestures that channel the life force’s (prana) flow to balance the body’s energy. Among numerous Mudras, Agni Mudra is one of the most beneficial hasta mudras to stimulate and maintain the fire element within to improve digestion and balance the body and mind. Agni Mudra is popularly called Surya Mudra as it activates the Manipura Chakra or the sunlight-based plexus. Agni Mudra can be practiced by everyone irrespective of age or fitness level by consulting with an expert Yoga instructor.  

How to Practice Agni Mudra

• Select a comfortable sitting position such as Sukhasana (Easy Pose), Padmasana (Lotus Pose), or Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose).
• Sit comfortably on a mat with a straight spine and relaxed neck.
• Rest your palms facing upwards on the thighs.
• Fold the tip of the ring finger against the base of the thumb.
• Held remaining fingers straight.
• Form the same Agni mudra with both hands.
• Maintain this position and gently close your eyes.
• Pay attention to your intention and breath.
• Take slow deep breaths.
• Relax and inhale positive energy and warmth.
• Exhale and release any tension or negativity.
• Continue this process for 10-15 minutes holding the Agni Mudra.
• Release the mudra, straighten your fingers, and relax your hands and body posture.

Benefits of Agni Mudra

Accelerates Digestion

The mudra stimulates the digestive fire which accelerates digestion. It clears toxins, improves metabolism, and reduces indigestion and constipation signs.

Reduces Stress and Tension

The mudra reduces stress and tension as it balances the fire element in the body and calms the nervous system. It further aids in maintaining the body temperature.

Controls High Cholesterol

It regulates the body’s metabolic processes which helps to lower cholesterol levels and controls high cholesterol.

Improves Vision

This mudra benefits eye health by improving vision as the fire element is associated with the eyes.

Balance Thyroid Hormones

This mudra prevents thyroid-related disorders as it helps to balance the thyroid-gland hormones by regulating the body’s metabolism.

Relieves Cold and Cough

The fire element produced through this mudra helps to warm the body by balancing the fire element relieving cold and cough.

Boost Self-Confidence and Willpower

It helps to boost self-confidence and willpower as this mudra balances the fire element within the body.

Relieves respiratory issues

The heat generated in the body helps in eliminating congestion and secretions from the lungs and sinuses. As a result, it relieves respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, etc.

Improves Blood Circulation

This mudra improves blood circulation which further impacts getting joint pain relief, and reduces inflammation.

Overcomes Obesity

Practicing Agni mudra daily helps to increase the metabolic rate and balances digestion which can result in overcoming obesity.

Agni Mudra Side Effects

Headaches or Dizziness

The improper practice of Agni Mudra can cause headaches or dizziness. So, consult or practice under the guidance of a qualified yoga instructor.

Excessive heat generation

Practicing Agni mudra for long hours can arouse digestive fire causing excessive heat generation in the body. As a result, observe an effect on the functioning of abdominal organs such as bloating, indigestion, or discomfort.

Uneasiness or pain

Practicing this mudra for long hours or in an improper way can cause uneasiness or pain in body postures and fingers.

Injuries or rashes

If not practiced correctly, one can experience injuries or skin rashes due to excessive sweating.

Imbalance and health issues

The imbalance of the five elements in the body can be seen while not correctly practicing Agni Mudra which leads to various health issues.

Things to Consider for Practicing Agni Mudra

1. Consult or practice under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor if practicing Agni Mudra for the first time or have any queries related to it.
2. This Agni Mudra is best when practiced by combining other Yoga asanas, with deep breathing and meditation.
3. Start slowly on your pace and increase the duration and intensity gradually.
4. Don’t practice Agni Mudra if you are having hormonal imbalances, during periods, weak health conditions, and high fire elements inside the body.
5. Make sure to use proper breathing and relaxation techniques to get maximum benefit and comfort.
6. Stop practicing if you experience any uneasiness or pain.
7. Listen to your body and don’t force yourself.