DAILY Hands are magical instruments; multi faceted, powerful, tender, destructive. They can be gnarly, spatulate, pudgy, delicate. The fingers, as emissaries, touch the world, bringing back thousands of impressions full of information. Brains are activated and trained by working with fingertips, especially during childhood. Hands and feet possess abundant nerve supplies which light up large areas of the brain.
Every finger has its own life, it’s energy of giving and receiving, its particular ability, or quality. Areas of the palm, as well as fingers, relate to planetary energies, to meridians and body parts, to chakras, to the five elements, and states of being. Acupressure and Acupuncture use points on the fingers and hand to stimulate healing through different areas of the entire body. There are also reflex zones, and marma points that are stimulated for healing. The art of palmistry is not magical, rather it is knowledge of multiple levels of energy revealed in a hand.
Using fingers to form hasta/hand mudras reveals yet another layer of information. Mudras, like Bandhas, are locks, and locks conceal secrets. Each mudra intends to connect to the divine, to cosmic consciousness, which is one of the primary goals of Yoga. Through the mystery of mudra, hands reveal our longing to connect, not only by touch, but by the shape of a mudra. When practicing mudras, the brain is lit from conscious and un-conscious information housed in the fingertips.
With intention and practice, mudras can change character traits, create healing, bring serenity, and offer awareness. There are 25 essential mudras, and many others that have been added along the way. You can make up one, once you know the energies in each finger. Simply by rubbing or pressing the fingers, you awaken dormant energies within. Next time you reach out and touch someone, or grab something, or massage your hand, become aware of how your hand responded. How did energy move through your fingers? Would you change it the next time?
Basic Finger Energies:
*Thumbs reveal creativity, they are also the opposing tool that separates us from other mammals. The thumb represents the Solar Plexis chakra, the Manipura, home of the imagination, that which creates and destroys. It is ruled by Mars, Astrologically, a fiery boy known for destruction and creativity.
*The forefinger is home to Jupiter, that jovially ‘more is more’ guy. The heart chakra, or Anahata, is housed here, and like Jupiter, loves life, is full of affection, and joy.
*Saturn, the taskmaster, rules the middle finger, and the throat chakra, the Vishuddha. This planet and chakra are interested in purity, ethics, thinking things through thoroughly, and speaking well.
*The ring finger is Venus, of course, and is connected to the root chakra, the Muladhara. Here, we have a sense of connection, of vitality, self confidence, and harmony with nature.
*The baby finger is Mercury, connected to the sacral chakra, the Swadhisthana. Here we focus on our connection with surrounding world, our sexuality, survival, and family.
(Much of the mudra information comes from “Mudra, Yoga in Your Hands” by Gertrud Hirschi)
This is perfect timing for me. I have been revisiting the use of Mudras in my practice. Specifically, much of what you have taught me in your 200 Hour RYT Training and applying it to my yoga teachings. It is fascinating how many cultures honor the fingers and hands. The origins of Mudras run deep. Thank you for another Daily Breath!