Introduction:
We all know about Yoga and Pranayama, but do you know about Mudra Vigyan? Mudra Vigyan is an ancient science known for connecting the energies called Vata (the energy of movement), Kapha (the energy of lubrication) and Pitta (the energy of digestion). Mudra is considered a means of expressing inner feelings by the use of various gestures involving hands, feet and other parts of the body. Of the five categories of mudras, hasta mudras or hand gestures are known to have potential benefits on mental, physical and emotional well-being. In this article, we will learn about the health benefits of one such mudra, the Agni Mudra.
What is Agni Mudra?
Agni Mudra belongs to the Hasta or Hand Mudra category and is the most prevalent hand mudra. It is also known as Surya Mudra or the gesture of the Sun. The name Agni Mudra comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Agni’, meaning fire, and ‘Mudra’ meaning seal lock or hand gesture. The practice of this mudra is known to eliminate the prithvi (Earth) element and increase the fire element (Agni) present in the body.
Agni Mudra
how to do it?
Let us learn how to do Agni Mudra:
First of all, sit comfortably on the ground in a relaxed position. It is best to sit in Padmasana (cross-legged sitting) or Vajrasana (heel sitting).
Keep your palms facing upwards on the thighs.
Next, fold your ring finger inward so that the tip of the ring finger touches the tip of the thumb.
The middle, little and index fingers are extended straight outwards.
This Hasta Mudra mentioned above is called Agni Mudra.
Note: Close your eyes and breathe normally, and do this mudra daily for 45 minutes or thrice a day for 15 minutes. It is best to practice this mudra in the morning on an empty stomach.
Do you know?
The five fingers of our hands represent the five elements of the earth. The thumb symbolizes fire (Agni), the index finger is associated with air (Vayu), the middle finger represents space (Akash), the ring finger is associated with the earth (Prithvi) element, and the little finger symbolizes water (Jal). ,
Agni Mudra is also known as Agni Vardhak Mudra as it increases the agni (fire) element of the body.
Agni Mudra is also called Prithvishamak Mudra as it eliminates the Prithvi (Earth) element from the body.
Benefits of Agni Mudra:
Keeping the origin and history in mind, let us now discuss the benefits of Agni Mudra.
Benefits of Agni Mudra on Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small gland located in the front of your neck that is responsible for producing thyroid hormone, which plays an important role in growth, development, and metabolic processes. Kumar et al. A study was done in 2022 which proved that the practice of Agni Mudra can have a positive effect on thyroid function. However, the practice of this mudra should not be considered a substitute for modern medicine. Hence, consult your doctor for proper treatment of any thyroid disorder and do not depend on this mudra alone. Additionally, Agni Mudra should be practiced under the supervision of a qualified instructor. 3
Benefits of Agni mudra in diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common diseases affecting individuals globally. With this change, people have now realized that apart from medicines, diet and exercise can help in managing diabetes. A study done by Raveendran et al. reported in 2018 that the practice of Agni Mudra along with other mudras may be effective in lowering blood sugar levels and managing diabetes. However, you should not consider the practice of this mudra as a substitute for modern medicine. You must consult your doctor for proper management of diabetes. Also, this mudra should be practiced only under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
Benefits of Agni Mudra on Mental Health
Practicing mudra can have a positive effect on mental health. A study conducted by Mukhopadhyay et al. 2021 states that the fire pose can help reduce stress and tension and improve emotional and social well-being. This can help to have a positive effect on mental health. However, you should not rely only on this pose and should consult your doctor for proper treatment of depression. Also, this mudra should be practiced only under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
Benefits of Agni mudra on obesity
According to studies, Agni Mudra is associated with the heat element of the body and is known to dissolve excess fat in the body; Practicing Agni Mudra can help in weight loss and thus, help in managing obesity. The practice of this mudra should not be considered a substitute for modern medicine. Hence, consult your doctor for proper management of obesity and do not depend only on this pose. Additionally, Agni Mudra should be practiced under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
Benefits of Agni mudra on cholesterol
Literature studies support that the practice of yoga asanas, pranayama and mudras can have a positive effect on cholesterol and thus, reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Kumar et al. A study was done in 2022 which stated that the practice of Agni Mudra can help in reducing LDL or bad cholesterol. Yet the practice of this mudra should not be considered a substitute for modern medicine. You must consult your doctor for proper management of high cholesterol. Also, it is advised to practice Agni Mudra under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
Benefits of Agni Mudra on Seasonal Flu
Research shows that the practice of yoga asanas, pranayama and mudras can have a positive effect on fever and seasonal flu. Kumar et al. A study was conducted in 2022 that showed that the practice of Agni Mudra can help manage fever. Since the practice of this mudra is known to increase the fire element in the body, it is believed that its effect can have a positive effect on fever. Additionally, this mudra can help manage the symptoms of the flu. However, the practice of this mudra should not be considered a substitute for modern medicine and should be practiced under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
Other Benefits of Agni Mudra:
The practice of Agni Mudra can help in improving vision.
Performing Agni Mudra regularly can help in reducing constipation.
Note- The benefits of Agni Mudra are studied in limited human population. Still, more research is needed to support the claimed positive effects of Agni Mudra.
Although the practice of yoga asanas, pranayama and mudras can help in the development of mind and body. However, you should not consider these as a substitute for modern medicine. It is advised not to depend solely on mudras for the treatment of any condition. Please consult a qualified doctor for proper treatment. Additionally, any mudra should be practiced under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
Risks of Agni Mudra:
The precautions and contraindications of posture should also be kept in mind while doing mudras. Precautions to be taken while doing Agni Mudra:
It is better not to do it in a state of exhaustion or haste.
Avoid doing this mudra within 30 minutes of having a meal or taking a bath.
Limited data are available regarding the safety of this mudra in these special groups, in pregnant and lactating women, children, and older adults.
Caution is needed in people with pitta dosha (agni or fire predominance) and kapha dosha (earth or earth predominance) as agni mudra increases the fire element in the body and decreases the earth element.
Prohibition of Agni Mudra
After a recent surgery or chronic illness, you should avoid practicing Agni Mudra.
In extreme weather conditions like extremely hot or very cold climate, avoid practicing Agni Mudra.
If you are feeling dizzy or nauseous then you should avoid practicing Agni Mudra.
Note: It is best to consult your Ayurvedic practitioner regarding possible foods that can increase the level of agni in your body. It would be best to avoid consuming these food items while practicing Agni Mudra. Additionally, consult your doctor to know about your body nature, also known as ‘Prakriti’.
Conclusion:
Agni Mudra belongs to the Hasta or Hasta Mudra category and is also known as Surya Mudra as the Sun symbolizes fiery energy. The name Agni Mudra comes from the Sanskrit word ‘agni’ meaning fire, and mudra meaning seal lock or hand gesture. The practice of this mudra is known to eliminate the prithvi (earth) element and increase the fire element (agni) present in the body. Practicing this mudra can help to have a positive effect on depression, diabetes, thyroid gland, cholesterol, obesity, fever and constipation.