A Healing Aid

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A Healing Aid – Prithvi Mudra

Mudra or a small action with the hands can speak louder than words.

The divine gleam within us called ‘Atma’, the soul is ringed by five centric layers of matter called koshas or sheaths. In the Taittiriya Upanishad, an ancient Sanskrit text, a human being is explained as having five koshas, that interpenetrate each other, draping the soul like the layers of an onion. The outermost layer is the physical sheath (annamaya kosha), which the sages called the food sheath, not only because it is made of the food we take in from the earth but also because it will eventually become food for other creatures. Wrapped by the physical sheath, interpenetrating it and transcending it are the three layers of the subtle body: the pranamaya kosha, or vital energy sheath; the manomaya kosha, or mental sheath; and the vijnanamaya kosha, or intellectual sheath. Deeper than these is the bliss sheath called anandamaya kosha.

According to the science of yoga, the approach, and gestures adopted during mudra practices form a direct contact between five sheaths, the seven energy centers and the dynamic power, kundalini guiding them towards deeper meditative states, self-realization and ultimately enlightenment, particularly when used in conjunction with breathing exercises, postures, meditation and chanting providing healing effects.

Since many ages, the cures pertaining to element ‘earth’ are far more capable to offer comfort to the torso elements and one such simple yet impactful mudra dragged by this element is Prithvi Mudra. 

One can form it by bringing the tip of your ring finger with the tip of your thumb. Since the elements fire (represented by thumb) and earth (represented by ring finger) have qualities opposed to each other, the Prithvi mudra, when formed, cools the body and reduces the fire overcoming many disorders such as :

·       Overcoming chronic fatigue, general debility (weakness after illness) & convalescence (recovery time)

·       Enhances stamina or endurance.

·       Treats emaciation and weight loss.

·       Cures osteoporosis, Osteomalacia - diminished bone density and rickets

·       Helps to expedite the union of bones in case of a fracture

·       Strengthen the limbs in poliomyelitis, paralysis

·       A beauty aid as pacifies dry, cracked and burning skin

·       Cures skin rashes and urticaria ( the skin allergy)

·       Brittle nails are set right.

·       Cuts and wounds are cured.

·       Hair loss and premature greying of hair can be treated and since hair growth is linked with the earth element, with slight pressure on the tips increases the cell production helping in regeneration of hair at a quick pace

·      Burning sensation in eyes, stomach, urine, anus, hands or feet are pacified.

·      Ulcers in the mouth are cured

·      Cures Jaundice and problems pertaining to the thyroid

·      Complexion of the skin radiates with health

As a word of caution, a person with Kapha dosha and women going through pregnancy should avoid practicing this mudra.

With no side effects as such, this mudra for good results should be practiced thirty to forty-five minutes in a go or 15 minutes thrice a day. While performing meditation or the morning hours are the right choices to infuse the qualities at its best.