An Indian Art

Meridians and Deep Meridians

Meridians are the energy paths that run through the body and control its individual functions (circulation, respiration, digestion, and individual organs). The beginning and ending points of the meridians are taken into particular consideration by the mudras. In acupuncture, only the superficial meridians are considered and the system of deep meridians is often even rejected as being speculative. Since the effect of many mudras only became clear to me once I learned about the deep meridians, I am also presenting this system here. Try encircling your fingers around your little finger more often. This is good for your heart! If you tend to be chilled easily, or susceptible to illness, then encircle or massage your ring finger.

The hand reflex zones correspond to the foot reflex zones, the massage treatment of which is generally known today. Both of the following illustrations show the reflex points or surfaces that are connected with the muscles and organs. Since some of the organs are only found on one side of the body (such as the heart and liver), this is reflected in the hands.

Since hands come in different sizes, you may not find the exact pressure point immediately. But with some practice, even the nonexpert can find the right spot.
When you have found the desired point, massage it with your thumb, using light pressure and slow, circular movements. One to 3 minutes are enough.

Next to acupuncture, acupressure is the best-known Chinese healing method in the Western countries. Instead of using needles, the meridians are stimulated with the fingers. In the following two illustrations you can see the corresponding points. The non expert can simply press them lightly with the thumb for several minutes to achieve a positive effect.

If you have high blood pressure, massage the middle finger from the root to the tip. To counteract low blood pressure, massage the middle finger from the tip to the root. Do the same with the index finger if you have diarrhea or constipation.

The classification of the chakras with the fingers is not the same in all schools of yoga. The most prevalent classification is shown on the hand illustrated here. But there are also yoga masters who classify the little finger with the root chakra, the ring finger with the sacral chakra, the middle finger with the solar plexus chakra, the index finger with the heart chakra, and the thumb with the throat chakra. It should be noted that only the five chakras found along the spinal column are assigned to the individual fingers.