How to do Surya Mudra - the Weight Loss Mudra
Ready to increase your vitality and boost your metabolism?
We're back after a little hiatus with our extremely popular 30 Days of Mudras series! So far we have looked at 8 different mudras which assist with such qualities as purity, prosperity, unification, calming, clarity, patience and sexual empowerment.
This mudra series was conjured up while on a journey through Bali in 2014. We were inspired by the traditional craftsmanship of the Balinese people and shot 30 mudras in front of beautiful handcrafted Balinese doors. We hope it helps transport you there.
This week's tutorial is for Surya Mudra, best known as: the weight loss mudra.
Description and Meaning
Surya means ‘Sun’ in Sanskrit and this mudra is known to increase the fire element in the body. This is achieved by covering up the ring finger which represents the earth element with your thumb which represents the fire element.
Fire is what spurs the digestive system - hence this mudra's reputation (and corresponding popularity) for facilitating weight loss!
How to do the Surya Mudra
Stand or sit up straight and hold your hands out in front of you. Bend the ring finger of each hand so that its tip touches the mound of your thumb. Press down on your ring finger with your thumb and ensure that the other fingers are spread out straight. The more pressure on your ring finger, the more your inner fire is stoked.
The Surya Mudra can be practiced in a seated posture with hands on the knees and palms facing the sky. It is also a great mudra to do as you are walking.
Benefits
Surya mudra is a wonderfully applicable mudra. It's core function is to decrease inertia and increase vitality. One of the ways it does this is by increasing your metabolism, effectively assisting with weight loss (yes please!).
This is perfect for our southern hemisphere friends who are well into the colder months and need to increase heat in the body to fight common colds or bring your body temperature up.
It is also known to reduce cholesterol and aid in digestion.
One word of caution: because of Surya Mudra's ability to stoke inner fire, it's best practised in moderation by people who already run hot - those that associate with a Pitta disposition as per Ayurvedic principles. It's full benefits are best experienced by those with a Kapha or Vata dosha.
Why we Love the Surya Mudra
We love Surya Mudra for it's everyday practicality.
Meditation combined with mantra is our favorite way of incorporating it into our lives though the beauty of this Mudra is that it can be carried off the mat and into daily life.
Sitting at a desk all day and find yourself fading? Allow Surya Mudra to stoke your inner fire, bringing you back to inspiration.
Ate a heavy meal and feeling lethargic? Surya Mudra will help burn off that meal, bringing you back to your more energized self.
However we choose to use it, Surya Mudra will always help to ignite your inner fire, getting you moving towards your goals.
What we are Wearing
In the close-up of the mudra above Rachel is wearing our best selling LILA hairties. They're the only organic cotton hairties in the world and are universally loved, as Alicia Silverstone can attest.
In the photo of Leilani in front of the Balinese door she is wearing the ever-popular White ENSO Headband (available for both Men and Women). A white headband is important in the practice of Kundalini yoga as a head covering as it protects the crown chakra from negative energy. White is associated with goodness and purity, making it a fitting shade to wear during all types of activities. It also pairs great with any outfit.
Sharing
If you know of someone in your life that would benefit from Surya Mudra please share this blog with them. Mudras are incredible healing tools that we can all benefit from. There is a mudra for everything in life so be sure to check out our entire Mudra series to find what works for you today.
