Prithvi-shaamak or Surya mudra

Popularly known as Surya mudra this mudra increases the Agni(fire) elemnt within the body. It can, therofre, be called Agni-vardhak mudra, too. At the same time, this mudra decreases the Prithvi(earth) element with in the body.

Method: This mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the ring finger on the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon this finger. This amounts to suppression of element earth (residing in the ring finger) by element fire (residing in the thumb). The earth element thus suppressed, fire is able to rage unopposed.

Effect: Prithvi-shaamak or Agni-vardhak mudra increases th eAgni(fire) element within the body but subdues the Prithvi(earth) element.

The element Agni (fire) is associated with body temperature an dmatbolism. Practice of Pritvi-shaamak or Surya mudra helps to maintain the body-temperature and keeps the metabolism going.

The elemnt agni is also connected with vision. Hence, regular practice of surya mudra helps to strengthen weak eyes and improve vision.

Agni is also a component of bodily humor Pitta. Ptactice of Prithvi-shaamak or Surya mudra increases the Pitta humor with n the body. Therefore, this mudra can be used to overcome disorders caused by Pitta deficiency. However, it should be used only in moderation by people having an excess of Pitta.

Prithvi-shaamak mudra decreases the element Prithvi(earth) who in the body. It is, therofre, excellent for people having an excess of element Prithvi on their bodies .

The element earth is also a component of bodily humor kapha. Therefore , Prithvi-shaamak mudra is an excellent mudra for people with a pronounced kapha constitution. They can regularly practice this mudra even to prevent illness.

Benfits: Prtivi-shaamak (Agni-vardhak; Surya) mudra can be used to treat the following disorders:

1. Abnormally low body-temperature,

2. Coldness of skin, body, limbs, hands, feet, etc.

3. Intolerance to cold, shivering,

4. Under activity of the thyroid gland causing slow metabolism,

5. Obesity, progressive weight-gain,

6. Loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation,

7. absence of sweating,

8. Ceratin vison/eye problems, especially cataract.

Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in 3 parts(i.e, for 15 minutes, thrice a day).

Ideal time: though Prithvi-vardhak mudra can be performed at anytime of the day, practicing it at any time 6.00 to 10,00 am/pm gives better results.

Precaution: over performance of this mudra may cause undue heating of the body.