Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ) is an ancient Japanese healing art that harmonizes energy flow throughout the body. The practice involves applying gentle touch to specific energy points to unblock and balance energy.
As more people explore complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), JSJ has gained popularity as a holistic approach to well-being. Unlike many Western treatments, JSJ can support other therapies without interfering with them.
In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits of Jin Shin Jyutsu and how it can support your overall health.
What is Jin Shin Jyutsu?
Origins and philosophy
Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient Japanese healing art that Jiro Murai rediscovered in the early 20th century. In the 1950s, Mary Burmeister brought Jin Shin Jyutsu to the United States.
Jin Shin Jyutsu is based on the idea that energy pathways exist in your body. When these pathways get blocked, you may have physical and emotional issues. Jin Shin Jyutsu aims to find the reason for the blockage, not just relieve the symptoms.
Key concepts
Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioners work with 26 “safety energy locks” on the body. They use a light touch to specific points (also known as acupoints) to release blockages and restore the flow of energy.
This is similar to acupressure, but Jin Shin Jyutsu doesn’t use needles.
Potential benefits of Jin Shin Jyutsu
While more rigorous scientific research is needed, people who practice Jin Shin Jyutsu report a number of benefits.
Stress Reduction and Relaxation
JSJ helps with stress, anxiety, and pain by activating the body’s relaxation response, which calms your nervous system. Chronic stress is connected to many health problems, so JSJ could be a helpful way to manage your stress levels.
Pain Management
JSJ may also help alleviate pain. One study revealed that people with a range of conditions, including backaches, headaches, fatigue, fibromyalgia, and side effects from cancer treatment, experienced a significant drop in acute and chronic pain after starting JSJ.
JSJ aims to treat the causes of pain, not just cover up the symptoms.
Emotional Well-being
People who practice JSJ report feeling more emotionally balanced. A study in the Journal of Holistic Nursing found that JSJ self-help techniques increased “emotional vitality.” By harmonizing your energy flow, JSJ may help you feel more emotionally stable and resilient.
Support for Other Treatments
JSJ can be used alongside Western medicine to support your treatment plan. It may even help you manage side effects from conventional treatments, such as nausea from cancer treatments.
Jin Shin Jyutsu for Specific Conditions
Cancer Support
Can Jin Shin Jyutsu help people who are going through cancer treatment? Some research suggests it might.
One study looked at breast cancer patients and found that those who received Jin Shin Jyutsu treatments felt like they could participate more fully in their normal daily activities and felt physically better overall. Also, one patient who had a bone marrow transplant experienced very little nausea when they received Jin Shin Jyutsu after the procedure.
It’s important to remember that Jin Shin Jyutsu should be used along with traditional cancer treatments, not instead of them.
Cardiovascular Health
Jin Shin Jyutsu may also be helpful for people with heart conditions. One study found that Jin Shin Jyutsu treatments helped lower heart rates faster than a placebo treatment for stroke patients.
Digestive Issues
Although the research I reviewed didn’t go into specifics, Jin Shin Jyutsu is sometimes used to help with digestive problems. The idea is that balancing the energy flow in the abdominal area can alleviate digestive upset.
Other Conditions
People also use Jin Shin Jyutsu to help with:
- Stress reduction
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
Do-it-yourself Jin Shin Jyutsu techniques
The great thing about Jin Shin Jyutsu is that it’s accessible to everyone. With some simple techniques, you can practice JSJ on yourself at home.
Self-help techniques
Here are a few simple techniques for beginners:
- Calm nerves: Wrap one hand around the last three fingers of your opposite hand and hold for a few moments. Hold your thumbs (one at a time) to calm anxious feelings.
- Boost immune system: Place both hands on your sternum and hold for a few minutes every day.
- Energy burst: Sit on your hands with palms facing upwards for up to 10 minutes.
How to practice
To start your self-care exercises, relax and try to be still. It’s important to be present in your body and in the moment.
Here’s how to apply gentle touch:
- Wrap your fingers around the thumb of your other hand, making firm contact, but without squeezing.
- Pay attention to any sensations you feel.
- Release the thumb and move to the next finger.
These simple techniques can help you start your journey with Jin Shin Jyutsu and experience its potential benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you hold Jin Shin Jyutsu holds?
The duration for holding Jin Shin Jyutsu flows can vary. A common recommendation is to hold each flow for at least a few minutes or until you feel a shift in energy, such as a pulse, a sense of relaxation, or a release of tension. You can hold a flow for as long as feels comfortable, and some practitioners recommend holding a point for 20 minutes for deeper work.
What is the Jin Shin Jyutsu finger exercise?
The Jin Shin Jyutsu finger exercise involves holding each finger individually to harmonize specific emotions and physical ailments. Each finger is associated with different organs and attitudes. For example, holding the thumb is said to help with stomach and spleen issues, as well as worries. Holding each finger for a few minutes can promote balance and well-being.
What is the Jin Shin Jyutsu technique?
The Jin Shin Jyutsu technique involves gently holding specific energy sites, or “Safety Energy Locks,” on the body to harmonize and balance energy flow. These locks are points where energy can become congested, leading to physical or emotional discomfort. By holding these points in specific sequences (flows), you can release blockages and promote overall well-being.
What does a Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner do?
A Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner assesses your energy flow and identifies areas where energy may be blocked or stagnant. They then use gentle touch, typically involving holding specific Safety Energy Locks, to help harmonize and restore the natural flow of energy throughout your body. They may also teach you self-help techniques to maintain balance between sessions. The goal is to support your body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Conclusion
Jin Shin Jyutsu offers a whole-body approach to feeling your best. It’s based on the idea that harmonizing your body’s energy flow can lead to:
- less stress
- better pain management
- improved emotional well-being
And it can be used alongside other treatments, too.
One of the best things about Jin Shin Jyutsu is how easy it is to incorporate into your daily routine. You can learn simple self-help techniques and use them anytime, anywhere.
While Jin Shin Jyutsu isn’t meant to replace traditional medical care, it can be a great addition to your overall wellness plan. Think of it as another tool in your toolbox for feeling good, both physically and emotionally. It’s worth exploring to see if it can make a positive difference in your life.