The basis of hand yoga is in practicing hand gestures or mudras – special ways of connecting fingers to influence different areas of our bodies and minds. Regular practice of mudras can heal minor ailments and major diseases, restore balance, invigorate the mind, enhance abilities and give energy.
Most cultures have evidence of using Mudras for ritual or religious purposes. Buddhist and Hindu religions dedicate a lot of time to this practice of energy flow inside our bodies. The purpose of Hand Yoga is to use the mudras for healing and self-improvement purposes.
The scientific explanation of hand yoga is based on the fact that the tips of our fingers have thousands of nerve endings that correlate to specific organs and areas of the body. According to the practice, bringing these nerve endings together has profound healing and balancing effects. This very effective and seriously underrated practice has been tested and proven for thousands of years
This article discusses the Prithivi Mudra used to gain self-assurance, confidence and strength. The main purpose of this exercise is to stimulate the root chakra. Chakras are energy centers inside our bodies, situated along the spinal column. The Chakra Theory is a topic for another article, it is very simple to learn and just like hand yoga it can do wonders.
The Prithivi Mudra should be practiced 3 times a day for 15 minutes. This will ensure the energy flow from the root chakra is at maximum, allowing following chakras receive sufficient amounts. The root chakra makes us feel grounded, down to earth and strong at the same time. Balance in this chakra restores our natural strength and abilities, adding to self-assurance and increasing confidence in our actions.
This effective mudra is also very simple to perform – simply connect your thumb to your ring finger, do this with each hand and extending all other fingers. Due to its simplicity this mudra can be practiced anywhere, anytime by anyone. Practicing root chakra stimulation has no side effects or complications. Hand Yoga is simple and effective.
Another important part of self-healing is meditation. While it is not required to meditate while performing mudras, having a clear mind will greatly enhance the effects of any mudra. Meditation is essential to health and well being. If you think you can’t meditate – think again. Everyone mediates while they sleep, some can meditate consciously, but it takes practice and dedication. Learn meditation and confidence, strength and self-assurance will come naturally even without any mudras.
In addition to meditation, another way to enhance the effects of this mudra is to take herbal remedies. Certain herbs can help establishing inner balance, restoring root energy, building self assurance and confidence.
An herb called oatstraw provides support for the brain and the nervous system, by supplying nutrients to the strong nerves. After taking oatstraw for a few weeks you will begin to feel more grounded and your concentration will increase dramatically. In addition, oatstraw heals a number of ailments such as depression and insomnia, helps with restless legs and memory loss, reduces stress and menopausal symptoms. Oatstraw tea removes headaches and improves assertiveness.
You can also try dandelion to feel more connected to the soul purpose of your existence. The healing properties of dandelion root can relieve frustrations and help us stay focused and on path. Certain compounds found in dandelion increase white blood cell count and help immunity.
Combining mudra practice with meditation and herbal remedies creates a very powerful tool to fight lack of confidence and self-respect and loss of primary strength.
Konstantin runs Hand-Yoga.org – a a popular hand yoga resource and get more details on building Confidence with Prithiva Mudra.