Definition – What does Prithvi Mudra mean?
Prithvi mudra is a symbolic hand gesture or ‘seal’ used in yoga and Ayurveda to promote healing and spiritual balance within the body. Meaning “the vast one” in Sanskrit, prithvi is also the term used for the Earth element in Ayurveda. Otherwise known as ‘Earth Mudra’, prithvi mudra can be used to balance this element, which resides primarily within tissues, such as skin, hair and bones.
To practice prithvi mudra, the tips of the ring fingers should be pressed to the tips of the thumbs on each hand, whilst extending the other fingers straight. This mudra can be practiced in any comfortable and stable seated meditation posture, such as padmasana (Lotus Pose) or sukhasana (Easy Pose), ideally for at least 30 to 45 minutes a day.
According to Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, the physical body is made up of five elements; Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Space. Imbalance in any one of these five elements is thought to be the root cause of illness and disease, therefore, treatments tend to focus on bringing each element back into balance. 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.
When used as part of a yoga practice, the prithvi mudra is thought to stimulate the muladhara chakra (root energy centre), governing an individual’s sense of stability, rootedness and security. This chakra is also associated with instincts and one’s primal nature. Practitioners may use this mudra during a chakra meditation, in which focus on the muladhara chakra’s red colour may help to amplify the benefits of prithvi mudra.
Yoni
Yoni Mudra is a popular hand gesture of yoga in which the hand fingers make a diamond-like shape similar to the female genital organ.
In Sanskrit, Yoni refers to the womb or female reproductive organs, specifically the vagina. However, in a broader sense, yoni is often associated with the concept of divine feminine energy in Hinduism.
Surya mudra is extremely beneficial for people looking into yogic ways of reducing weight.
Samana Vayu Mudra is aimed at improving the function of Samana Vayu. It balances all the energies in the body is also referred to as the ‘balancing air’. It is easy to practice and can be practiced any time of the day.
Linga
This mudra is known to have the potential impact of generating heat and enhancing breathing capacity in the body. Upright thumb position in this mudra is considered a symbol of the Hindu god Lord Shiva.
Shakti mudra is a symbolic, ritualistic gesture of the hands often used in Ayurvedic or spiritual yoga practice to produce calming effects on the mind and body, specifically the pelvic area.
In order to perform this mudra, the fourth and fifth fingers (the ring and little fingers) of both hands are pressed together, while the other fingers curl into a fist-like position, with the thumbs tucked against the palms.
In Sanskrit, shakti means “power” or “empowerment,” and mudra means “gesture,” “mark,” or “seal.”
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