“The feet express the heavens and the hands express the feet. If you want to adjust the psychic body, massage the feet. If you want to adjust the physical body, massage the hands.” – Yogi Bhjan

A mudra is a position of the hands that locks or seals and guides energy flow and reflexes to the brain.  The hands may provide an energy map of our consciousness and health. Each area of the hand connects to a particular part of the body or brain, representing different emotions and behaviors.

Each finger relates to a planetary energy and the quality that each planet represents. To apply the mudra, the pressure should be consistent and firm but not hard enough to whiten flesh.  It is also worth noting that a mudra is done with the fleshy part of the finger (not the fingernail) unless specified.

The thumb represents the ‘id’ individual persona or ego. The tip of the tongue correlates with the pituitary and endocrine glands. When you press these center with the other fingers, the two glands work actively.

The index finger is associated with the planet Jupiter, which represents expansion.  The thumb touching the tip of the index finger forms Gyan Mudra (or seal of Knowledge), this stimulates knowledge, wisdom and ability. It increases memory power, sharpens the brain, enhances concentration and prevents insomnia. When practiced regularly, it will relieve psychological disorders like hysteria, anger and depression.

The middle finger is associated with the planet Saturn, representing the taskmaster, the law of karma, the taking of responsibility and the courage to hold to duty.. The tip of the middle finger on the tip of the thumb forms Shuni Mudra (seal of Patience). This mudra is said to give patience, discernment and commitment.

The ring finger is associated with the Sun or Uranus. The Sun represents energy, health and sexuality; and Uranus represents the nervous system, strength and intuition. The tip of the ring finger on the tip of the thumb forms Surya Mudra (seal of the Sun, Seal of Life), to give revitalizing energy, nervous system strength and good health.

The little finger is associated with the planet Mercury, representing quickness and the mental power of communication. The little finger on the tip of the thumb forms Budhi Mudra (seal of Mental Clarity). This mudra opens the capacity to communicate clearly and intuitively. It also stimulates psychic development. It also balances the water content and prevents all diseases which come due to lack of water.

When the palms of the hands are flat together in Prayer Pose (Pranam Mudra), this is to neutralize the positive (right, or male) and negative (left, to female) sides of the body. This is always used in centering.

The Venus Lock mudra connects the positive and the negative sides of the Venus mound, the fleshy area at the base of the thumb, on each hand to the thumb. The Venus mound is associated with the planet Venus and the energy of sensuality and sexuality. The mudra channels the sexual energy and promotes glandular balance. For men, place the palms facing each other. Interlace the fingers with the left little finger on the bottom. Lightly press the left thumb tip on the webbing between the thumb and index finger of the right hand. Lightly press the tip of the right thumb into the fleshy mound at the base of the left hand. The little finger and the thumb positions are reversed for women.