In Sanskrit ‘Prithvi ‘means Earth and
‘Mudra’ means Gesture, Seal, or Mark.
Hence Prithvi mudra is termed as the ‘Gesture of the Earth.’
Prithvi (Earth) element is Associated with the Ring or Anamika Finger.
For the preparation of this mudra, the thumb and ring fingers are used in both hands. The ring finger denotes the Earth element, whereas the thumb represents the Fire element. Prithvi Mudra is formed by joining the tips of the ring finger with the tip of the thumb finger and applying gentle pressure.
In Prithvi Mudra, Earth and Fire element plays a prominent role as Earth Mudra is formed by Thumb and Ring or Anamika finger, which is associated with Fire and Earth elements, respectively.
According to Yoga Mudra Vigyan, the action of Prithvi is Dominant over the Agni.
So it is also named as Prithvi-Vardhak Mudra. As Prithvi is dominant, which means Agni is Inferior.
So by this property of Earth Mudra, it is also named as Agni-Shamak Mudra.
The earth element is a vital component of bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, muscles, tendons, internal organs, etc. The practice of Prithvi mudra builds these tissues and strengthens the bones. It produces stability, confidence, and strength
When used as part of yoga practice, the Prithvi mudra is thought to stimulate the Muladhara chakra (Root Chakra), governing an individual’s sense of stability, rootedness, and security. Practitioners may use this mudra during Root chakra meditation.
When the earth element is in balance, we are both mentally and physically strong, confident, and stable. Earth is a major part of the physical body, and so this element plays a vital role in health and wellbeing.
Prithvi mudra is primarily used to increase the Earth element within an individual as a means of healing. However, since the ring finger symbolizes earth and the thumb symbolizes fire, this gesture can also be used to bring balance between these two elements. It is considered to be a powerful mudra, capable of healing many ailments, such as chronic fatigue, osteoporosis, weight loss, convalescence or paralysis, burning sensations throughout the body, ulcers, and nail, hair, or skin issues.
This mudra is very much useful to gain weight and strengthen the body. Earth is the major component of bones, cartilage moleskin hair, nails, flesh, muscles, tendons, internal organs, etc. the practice of this mudra strengthens these tissues. It maintains the body temperature and strengthens your body. This mudra is useful to heal degenerative diseases like T.B.
The Prithvi mudra can be used to overcome nasal problems. Kapha doshas’ primary element is Prithvi. This mudra practice enhances Kapha Dosha in the body. Therefore, this mudra can be used to overcome the disorders caused by Kapha deficiency. However, it should be practiced in moderation by people who already have an excess of Kapha in their bodies.
Agni element deals with body temperature and metabolism. Because Prithvi-vardhak Mudra reduces fires, it can be used to relieve overactive Agni and overcome excessive Agni disorders such as emaciation, fever, inflammation, etc.
The fire element is also part of the Pitta Dosha of the body. Therefore, it is an excellent mudra for people with a pronounced pitta constitution. You can use this mudra regularly to prevent diseases.
How to do Prithvi Mudra
- Sit in a comfortable posture like Sukhasana, Padmasana, Swastikasana, Vajrasana.
- Hold your back, chest, and head in a straight position.
- Relax your body and place your hands on your knees or thighs in an upward position.
- Now slowly fold your ring finger and tap the tip of the ring finger or Anamika finger to the tip of the thumb with little pressure.
- Try to keep the rest of the three fingers extended and straight as much as possible.
- It should be done with both hands simultaneously.
- Relax and close your eyes.
- Concentrate on your breath.
- Do not decrease or increase the speed of breath from your side.
- Inhale and exhale deeply to seep air into the deepest tissues of your body to attain a sense of lightness in your consciousness.
Prithvi Mudra Duration
30-40 minutes of regular practice is enough to get the maxim benefits of Prithvi mudra. You can do it anytime or in any place. But the morning hour or when you are in meditation is the best choice to get the best results for the practice. Please practice it regularly.
Prithvi Mudra Benefits
Regular practice of Prithvi Mudra has a lot of spiritual, mental, and emotional benefits which are as follows-
- Activate Muladhara Chakra— Helps to activate Muladhara Chakra
- The Prithvi Mudra helps to strengthen the body and alleviates fatigue.
- It also helps to open the mind and frees it from irrational prejudices and beliefs.
- Practicing this Mudra build self-confidence.
- Promotes hair growth.
- Prithvi mudra helps to balance the Earth’s elements. The Earth element is responsible for creating the hair and hair follicles. It enhances the health of the scalp, which strengthens your hair follicles and regenerates hairs.
- Helps in Weight gain. Earth mudra increases body mass and helps to increase weight.
- Increases Energy and Stamina. It helps to reduce all physical weakness.
- Boosts Spiritual Stability. It enhances emotions such as love, kindness, tolerance, and joy.
- Prithvi mudra is beneficial for the skin. The element Prithvi makes the skin-tight, smooth, and glowing.
- The Agni-Shamak effect of this mudra helps to reduce the excess heat from the body.
- The regular practice of Prithvi Mudra helps to maintain the body’s temperature. So it is very helpful in burning sensation in the eyes, stomach acidity, hands, or feet.
- It makes the body and minds more stable and concentrated.
- Helps to Balance Kapha Dosha
Prithvi Mudra Side effects
The practice of this mudra has no major side effects.
- People who are overweight should practice under the observation of yoga teachers or experts.
- People who have Asthma should try to avoid this mudra.
- Those who have an excess of Kapha in their bodies should avoid practicing this mudra as it can further increase Kapha in the body.