I became a yoga instructor to raise awareness of its holistic benefits. Yoga is much more than a series of physical exercises (asanas). Yoga includes other ancient practices like mudras, for example. In this article, we're diving into Prithvi mudra, one of the most recognized mudras.
Hand mudras are an age-old practice for bettering the physical and spiritual body. They have been used throughout history in yogic traditions and many cultures.
Let’s discover the benefits of Prithvi mudra and how it contributes to your holistic development and brings your body back in balance.
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What is Prithvi mudra?
Prithvi mudra (p r ih th—v ee much duh) is a Sanskrit term meaning “the vast one.” In yoga, this sacred mudra promotes spiritual balance.
This hand gesture has been depicted in Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian works of art for centuries. For example, Jesus Christ has been painted many times holding this gesture with his right hand. His thumb and ring finger are joined together as a sign of “Benediction or Blessing.”
The physical form of this mudra can be easily recognized. The tip of the ring finger joins the tip of the thumb in each hand. The other fingers remain extended straight. This helps cultivate a sense of grounding, self-confidence, and balance in the body.
4 benefits of Prithvi mudra
Prithvi mudra has many benefits when practiced regularly, including:
- Unlocks Prana – It helps the life energy flow more easily from the base of the spine and throughout your body, and thus, the energy level within your body increases.
- Increases energy levels – When your body is energized, your endurance improves.
- Encourages grounding – It encourages you to feel grounded and to accept yourself as you are.
- Promotes healing & balance – The yogic mudra promotes healing and brings balance into your body.
How to do Prithvi mudra in seven steps
Performing Prithvi mudra is simple. Here's how to do it in seven steps:
- Begin by settling into a comfortable seat on the floor. I suggest sitting in Sukhasana. It is an easy cross-legged seat. Sitting on the floor can help you feel more connected to the grounding energy cultivated in your root chakra.
- Gently place your hands on top of your thighs or knees with your palms facing up. Extend the crown of your head upward to ensure a straight spine.
- Bring the tip of your index finger and the tip of your thumb to touch in both the hands. Gently apply pressure.
- Keep the remaining fingers relaxed and extended out straight.
- Gently close your eyes. Bring your attention to the sensation of your fingertips.
- Direct your awareness to your breath. Fill up your lungs with air (Prana) and exhale. Continue to take deep breaths slowly and gently.
- Begin to witness the grounding energy.
During your practice, do not press too hard on your fingertips. This is a common mistake that causes difficulty in concentrating.
The purpose of this yoga hand symbol
Prithvi mudra balances the Earth element in our body tissues, skin, hair, and bones. It also stimulates the Root Chakra (Muladhara), which governs our sense of stability and security.
It also helps Prana, (your breath and life energy), flow better through the spine and body.
When the Earth Element is balanced and aligned, you are mentally and physically strong. You cultivate a sense of confidence and rootedness.
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When and how to use Prithvi mudra
The best time to perform Prithvi mudra is in the morning. For optimal results and to get the best benefits, practice between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. Maintain a regular practice of 30 minutes daily for two months to experience its various benefits.
Mudras are traditionally practiced in an Easy-Seated Pose (Sukhasana). However, it can also be performed in Lotus Pose (Padmasana). I like to incorporate the mudra into Mountain Pose (Tadasana).
The 5 elements of hand mudras
Yoga mudras are hand gestures. Using your fingers, you make shapes with your hands. When one of your fingers touches your thumb tip, a circuit is complete, and you’re now holding a mudra. This invigorates subtle energies and pathways in your body, and some can even open your heart chakra.
In Ayurveda, the physical body is believed to consist of five elements, each of which is connected to a finger:
- Earth (Ring)
- Air (Index)
- Fire (Thumb)
- Water (Pinky)
- Sky (Middle)
Takeaway
The Prithvi mudra is an easy and accessible hand gesture with a profound impact on your health and helps awaken the Earth Element in your body.
Some benefits include improved stamina and concentration, boosted growth of tissue, and hair regrowth. The spiritual development from a regular practice increases your vitality.
Practice this ancient mudra and others like Gyan mudra and Prana Mudra under the guidance of a professional yoga instructor to experience its full benefits.
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