Benefits of Prithvi Mudra and How to Do it By Dr. Ankit Sankhe

Introduction

The ancient Indian discipline of yoga has taken the Western world by storm. Modern-day yoga has been excellently reflected in the blogosphere. Famous Hollywood celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Madonna, Britney Spears, Maria Sharapova, Meghan Markle, Robert Downey Jr., and many more have been practicing the art of yoga for their mental and physical well-being. 

The United Nations proclaimed 21st June as the International Day of Yoga to spread awareness about the importance and holistic health benefits of yoga. Yoga is more than just an exercise; it is a way to discover a sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and the nature.  

Yoga consists of ancient mudra science, which connects certain energy flows in the mind-body system. For example, five fingers represent five elements: thumb (Fire), index finger (Air), middle finger (Space), ring finger (Earth), and little finger (Water). The yoga mudras aim to bring back the elemental balance by guiding the flow of life energy within the body. Let us look at the health benefits of one of the mudras- prithvi mudra.¹ 

What is Prithvi Mudra?

Mudras have been depicted in Buddhist, Hindu and Christian imagery for centuries. Mudra therapy is an age-old effective therapy propounded by ancient sages. Mudra means hand gestures made for the betterment of the physical body. The principle of mudras is that the transfer of energy takes place from a higher to a lower level.^1,2 

Imbalances in earth elements can cause obesity, weakness in cholesterol, bones or muscular diseases, etc.³ 

In Sanskrit, ‘prithvi’ means earth, and ‘mudra’ means a gesture of the hands. Therefore, Prithvi mudra helps to awaken the element of earth in our body. Prithvi Mudra is also known as the ‘Sign of Benediction or Blessing.’^1,2 

Also Read: Benefits of Udana Mudra and How to Do it By Dr. Himani Bisht

How to Do It?

Prithvi mudra is a simple yogic hand gesture. It is performed using the ring finger and thumb in the following way: 

• First, sit in a relaxed position. 
• Now, bring your ring finger and your thumb closer. 
• Next, place your hands with palms facing upwards on the thighs or above the knees. 
• Slowly fold your ring finger and tap the tip of the ring finger to the tip of the thumb with some pressure. 
• Try to keep the rest of the three fingers extended and straight as much as possible.¹ 

Did You Know?

Read through some of the interesting facts about Prithvi Mudra: 

Jesus Christ is often painted with his right hand in Prithvi Mudra, where the tips of the thumb and ring finger are joined.² Greek Orthodox priests often hold the fingers of their right hand in Prithvi mudra while making the sign of the cross during a spoken blessing.² 

Also Read: Benefits of Prana Mudra and How to Do it By Dr. Himani Bisht

Benefits of Prithvi Mudra

Some of the potential benefits of prithvi mudra are: 

1. Benefits of prithvi mudra for improving stamina 

Prithvi mudra may help in improving stamina. Further research is yet to be done to claim the effect of prithvi mudra on enhancing energy. However, you must consult your doctor and take appropriate medications to improve your stamina instead of solely relying on yoga.³ 

2. Benefits of prithvi mudra for relieving chronic fatigue 

Prithvi mudra may help to alleviate fatigue which may be caused due to various reasons. Prithvi mudra may help prana to flow better through the spine and the other parts of the body. Prana is the sanskrit word of breath and refers to ‘life force’. This flow of prana ensures energy flow in all parts of the body and may therefore, keep the body energetic and reduce fatigue.  More clinical trials are required to check the effect of prithvi mudra to get rid of fatigue. However, you must not rely solely on prithvi mudra to eliminate fatigue.^1,3 

3. Benefits of prithvi mudra for osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis is the wearing off of tissues present at the ends of bones. Prithvi mudra may help in the case of osteoarthritis. Further studies are required to check how beneficial prithvi mudra is for osteoarthritis. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you experience joint pain.³ 

3. Benefits of prithvi mudra to heal wounds 

Prithvi mudra may help to heal cuts and wounds. It might also help enhance the growth of the tissues. More studies are yet to be done to check if prithvi mudra can help to heal body tissue. However, you must not solely rely on prithvi mudra in case of injury that destroys the body tissues and seek medical help.¹ 

In my experience, Prithvi Mudra might be like a magical hand trick. It may help if someone is losing weight without any explanation or feeling very weak. By practising this gesture, one might feel more balanced and healthy.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

4. Benefits of prithvi mudra for skin, bones and nails 

Prithvi mudra may be beneficial for dry and cracked skin. It might help increase the bone density and help in case of bone fractures. Prithvi mudra may also reduce the brittleness of nails. However, more studies are required to check these properties. Therefore, you must consult a specialist for these problems.¹ 

5. Benefits of prithvi mudra to enhance immunity 

Practising mudras like prithvi mudra on a daily basis may help boost immunity and may therefore, fight against infections like Covid-19. Further investigation is needed to check if prithvi mudra may enhance immunity. You must consult a doctor if you have been diagnosed with infections like covid-19.³ 

6. Benefits of prithvi mudra for brain tumour 

A yoga regime consisting of prithvi mudra may be additionally used with ongoing treatment to manage brain tumours. The result of a case study suggested that ayurvedic medication, along with yoga therapy, may be beneficial in managing brain tumours. However, more clinical trials are required to check the effect of the same. You must take proper treatment if diagnosed with a brain tumour.⁴ 

7. Benefits of prithvi mudra to increase concentration 

Prithvi mudra may have some effect on the cognitive brain. When practiced along with dhyana mudra, it may help to improve concentration and may keep the mind stable. However, more studies are required to check the impact of prithvi mudra on concentration.⁴ 

Yoga practice may help develop the mind and body; however, it is still not an alternative to modern medicine. You must not rely on yoga alone to treat any condition. Please consult a qualified doctor who will be able to assess your condition correctly and advise accordingly. Moreover, it is necessary to practice and learn yoga under the supervision of a trained yoga teacher to avoid any injuries. 

According to what I have noticed, the regular practice of Prithvi Mudra might help keep your energy levels up. This possibly keeps you from feeling weak or lethargic. So, it’s like having a natural boost to keep you feeling energised throughout the day.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Also Read: Benefits of Vayu Mudra and How to Do it By Dr. Ankit Sankhe

Risks of Exercise

There were no associated risks or contraindications that have been investigated or reported as yet. However, it is essential to take necessary precautions before performing prithvi mudra. You must be extra cautious if you have heart disease. Pregnant and lactating mothers should be careful too. It is best to perform prithvi mudra under professional guidance. 

Let me tell you a secret. By regularly practising the Prithvi Mudra, you may enhance your self-confidence and might cultivate a strong belief in yourself. This empowering gesture may serve as a reminder of your inner strength, encouraging us to trust in your abilities and embrace your full potential.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Conclusion

Mudra therapy is an age-old effective therapy propounded by ancient sages. In Sanskrit, ‘prithvi’ means earth, and ‘mudra’ means a gesture of the hands. Therefore, Prithvi mudra helps to awaken the element of earth in our body. Prithvi mudra may improve stamina, relieve fatigue and boost the growth of tissues. It may be used in the case of osteoarthritis, brain tumour and to heal wounds. In addition, it may prevent covid-19 infections and may improve concentration. It is best to perform prithvi mudra under professional guidance. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1) Sunitha S, CP S. Mudra Therapy and Its Classification. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research (IJHSR). 2021;11(1):118-26. Available from: https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR_Vol.11_Issue.1_Jan2021/IJHSR_Abstract.016.html 

2) Rajput MS. The source, meanings and use of “mudra” across religions. Int. J. Interdiscip. Res. Arts Humanities. 2016;1:37-42. Available from: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/144734522.pdf 

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