In times of emotional overwhelm, grounding techniques help stabilise the mind and body. One simple yet effective method is using palm stones- small, smooth stones held in the hand to create a sense of connection and calm. From a Vedic Counselling perspective, this practice relates to two key yogic concepts: Pratyahara (sensory withdrawal) and Prithvi Shuddhi (earth purification).
Understanding these deeper principles helps us see why palm stones can be a powerful tool for trauma healing.
Vedic Counselling & Trauma Healing
Vedic Counselling integrates Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vedantic wisdom to guide individuals toward inner balance (Sattva) and self-awareness. When someone has experienced trauma, their nervous system becomes unstable, often leading to excess Vata dosha- restlessness, dissociation, and an inability to feel safe in the body.
Healing doesn’t start with introspection or inner stillness, which can feel overwhelming. Instead, it begins with external stability, using structured routines, sensory grounding, and simple rituals to regulate the nervous system before deeper self-inquiry.
This is where Pratyahara and Prithvi Shuddhi come in.
What is Pratyahara? (Sensory Withdrawal)
Pratyahara is the fifth limb of Yoga, often translated as withdrawal of the senses. It is the practice of turning attention inward by disengaging from external distractions. However, in trauma healing, traditional Pratyahara (like deep meditation) can feel unsafe, as it forces the person to sit with overwhelming emotions without external grounding.
Instead of complete withdrawal, a gentle Pratyahara approach involves redirecting sensory focus to safe, controlled stimuli- like the coolness, weight, and texture of a palm stone. This keeps the mind engaged without overstimulation, making stillness more accessible.
What is Prithvi Shuddhi? (Earth Element Cleansing)
Prithvi Shuddhi is the purification of the earth element within the body. Earth represents stability, grounding, and physical connection. Trauma often weakens the earth element, leading to:
• Feeling ungrounded or dissociated
• Difficulty trusting the body
• Chronic anxiety and instability
By reconnecting with the earth element through touch, weight and texture, we restore a sense of physical and energetic grounding. Palm stones act as a tangible anchor for Prithvi Shuddhi.
How Palm Stones Support Trauma Healing
Using a palm stone is a subtle but effective grounding tool that integrates both Pratyahara and Prithvi Shuddhi:
1. Sensory Anchoring (Pratyahara Adaptation)
• Instead of fully withdrawing from sensory input, the stone provides a single point of focus, helping calm racing thoughts.
• Feeling its coolness, texture, and weight redirects attention from overwhelming emotions to a neutral, safe sensation.
• Rubbing the stone gently between the fingers engages tactile awareness, slowing down nervous system hyperactivity.
2. Earth Connection (Prithvi Shuddhi Activation)
• Holding a stone is a direct earth-element practice, helping to restore physical and energetic stability.
• They create a grounding effect, reducing Vata-driven restlessness.
• Placing the stone on the lower abdomen or feet and using it to increase sensory input strengthens the root chakra (Muladhara), further reinforcing stability.
3. Breath Awareness & Nervous System Regulation
Breath awareness is central to Vedic Counselling, as Prana (life force) connects the mind and body. In trauma states, Prana Vata becomes erratic, leading to shallow breathing and nervous system dis-regulation.
Holding a stone while focusing on slow, rhythmic breathing helps redirect scattered Prana, restoring balance. Exhaling while pressing the stone into the palm enhances the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) response, reducing fight-or-flight activation. In this way, breath becomes an external guide rather than something forced, making it easier to regulate emotions naturally.
Let us know if you try any of these practices helpful.
We sell handmade oven-baked clay palm stones in Earthy & Natural colors, each engraved with nature-based designs for extra tactile stimulation. If you’re looking for a simple grounding tool rooted in Vedic wisdom, these stones can support your healing process. Check them out at our store here.
To book a 1:1 session with Harsha, click here.
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