Prithvi Mudra, also known as earth Mudra, is a powerful hand formation that balance the earth element in the body. Prithvi means earth and the earth element is activated when the tip of the thumb (fire element) touches the tip of the ring finger. Earth element practically refers to your entire body. This is beneficial to those who are lean, those who need more of the earth element. For others this mudra balances the earth element. For example one of my clients had a hairline fracture, she extensively practiced this mudra for about an hour a day and her fracture healed much faster. Hence this mudra very much heals the earth element, i.e balances the entire physical structure. Prithvi also controls the sense of smell and even the texture of the skin.
In this article, we provide a deep look at how to perform the Prithvi Mudra, as well as its numerous benefits and important precautions.
What are Mudras?
Mudras are hand gestures that activate a certain element or energy in the body. The five fingers represent the five elements. The energy activation point lies on the fingertips. When the fingertips are connected, the subtle energy in your body gets activated. The thumb represents the fire element. This element represents agni within the body, and it serves to activate all the other elements.
The index finger represents air, middle finger ether, ring finger earth and the little finger represents the water element.
When different hand formations, or mudras, are formed, the combination of subtle elements has a powerful effect on the mind and body.
How Can Mudras Heal?
There is a spiritual force that mediates our mind-body connection. Ayurveda says that when the elements in our body are balanced, our bodies and minds are healthy. Whenever imbalance arises, we can attain balance by activating specific elements using various mudras. Acupuncture is another method that involves activating specific points in the body and improving the flow of energy. Mudras act in a similar way. The tips of our fingers act like electrical potential points, and when the mudras are formed, they create an electrical circuit that circulates energy throughout the body. As this energy circulates, we feel a healing effect. The most astonishing fact is that our brain uses about 60% of its surface area to process the movements and sensations of the hands.
RECOMMENDED: For a complete guide to the many mudras and their benefits, check out Healing Mudras: Yoga of the Hands by Yogi Nataraj.
How to Perform the Prithvi Mudra?
The Prithvi Mudra activates the earth element within the body. Touch the tips of the thumb and the ring finger together, and gradually adjust until you can feel your pulse in your fingertips. Practice this mudra for about 15-20 minutes. Depending on your need and practice you can practice this mudra for up to an hour.
When Should I Perform the Prithvi Mudra?
The Prithvi mudra is useful for:
- Improving Earth Balance
- Aids in healing fractures faster
- For those who are lean helps in gaining muscle and weight
- Helps in the flow of fat in the body
- Balances the Root Chakra
- Healing obesity related issues
- Improves skin texture
- Improves sensation of smell
- Heals nose related issues
The earth principle governs all the previous elements of sound, sight, taste, and smell. This mudra activates them and helps them function fully. Here previous means if we look at the origin of creation, we find that the first element is ether – air – fire – water and earth, the elements are created in that order. The next element consists of the previous element in the cycle.
Precautions When Practicing Prithvi Mudra
If you are obese or if you gain weight quickly then this mudra should not be done for a very long time. If you feel any discomfort while practicing this mudra then you should stop. Otherwise this mudra is very safe to practice.
Suggested Sequence
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Join your hands in a prayerful, meditative position.
- Straighten your back.
- Place your left hand on the right as shown and touch the tips of the thumbs.
- Hold the Dhyana Mudra for 10-20 minutes.
- Practice Prana Mudra for 10 minutes.
- Join your hands together and end with a prayer.
What Chakras Does Prithvi Mudra Activate?
The root chakra is balanced by the earth element. Prithvi mudra when chanted with the “Lam” mantra activates the root chakra. Prithvi mudra strengthens the root chakra and forms a strong base from where all other chakras can be balanced.
Related Mudras
Prithvi mudra balances the earth element, earth element balances all the other elements. Therefore, all the other elemental mudras go well with the Prithvi mudra.
- Gyan mudra
- Akasha mudra
- Varuna Mudra
- Hakini mudra
- Prana Mudra
Related Yoga Poses
The Lotus pose (padmasana), The Diamond pose (Vajrasana), Paschimottanasana (the seated forward bend), Sirshasana (the head stand) are poses which are complementary to the Prithvi mudra. These poses make us grounded and improve the healing of the earth element.
List of Mudra Guides
Mudras are very beneficial when performed with proper understanding. Mudras deal with individual elements, combinations of elements, the vital airs, the vital functions and even moods and feelings. Regular practice of each mudra based on our needs and present condition can help us achieve the specific results we are looking for. Please explore our various mudra guides and try out the practices that suit your needs
Chakra Mudras
- Mudras for the Root Chakra
- Mudras for the Sacral Chakra
- Mudras for the Navel Chakra
- Mudras for the Heart Chakra
- Mudras for the Throat Chakra
- Mudras for the Third-eye Chakra
- Mudras for the Crown Chakra
Mudra Sequences
Individual Mudra Guides
- Abhaya Mudra
- Adi Mudra
- Agni Mudra
- Akasha Mudra
- Anjali Mudra
- Apana Vayu Mudra
- Bhumisparsha Mudra
- Brahma Mudra
- Dharmachakra Mudra
- Dhyan Mudra
- Ganesha Mudra
- Gyan Mudra
- Kundalini Mudra
- Lotus Mudra
- Musti Mudra
- Prana Mudra
- Rudra Mudra
- Shakti Mudra
- Shankha Mudra
- Shunya Mudra
- Surya Mudra
- Udana Vayu Mudra
- Uttarabodhi
- Varada Mudra
- Vayu Mudra
- Vitarka Mudra
- Yoni Mudra