Jin Shin Jyutsu is a
hands-on healing art originating from Japan. More than a prescribed method, Jin
Shin Jyutsu is really a way of being that aims at liberating the bonds of human
suffering through direct experience and developing an understanding of the
creative energy that brings us to, and sustains, life.
When energy moves freely
through our body, our spirits are uplifted, our bodymind feels good, and we are
in good health. Where the source of this original energy emanates from has been
elusive to science and remains a mystery to all religions. What does seem true
is that when the connection between this Source is broken, or when static or
cross-interference occurs, physical symptoms show up. It makes sense, then that
if we find ways to recuperate the flow of energy for ourselves, we’ll have more
connection to the Source, experience a resonant balance in matters of the
heart, bodymind, and spirit, and good health will be ours to claim.
For me, Jin Shin Jyutsu is
a meditation-when I apply it to my own body, as well as when offering it to
others. My favorite and practical time to apply it is the wee morning hours
when I am awake and snuggled comfortably in bed. It’s my personal
self-maintenance time, and a wonderful way to greet the day: with an intention
for healing yourself, knowing the reverberations of good health will fountain
out to others, regardless of physical appearances or results. There is no wrong
way to do it (some ways are more efficient than others though), and no harm
will come of doing JSJ on its own merit, or combined with any other treatment.
This quiet gentle practice
surprises me with of how my mind works, with it’s conditioning and tendencies
to worry, to be fearful or tearful, to either pretend everything is alright or
aim for perfection in myself or others, or to get steeped in cynicism about the
imperfections of being human. I love that the mystery of how and why it works
is unsolveable, because when my thinking brain cannot figure it out, I end up
letting go (AKA “giving up”), and then solutions, openings and insights appear
far beyond my imagination! Complications become simple awareness...
Jin Shin Jyutsu allows me
to develop a deeper understanding of the way in which energy manifests itself
in and around us, and to develop a means to repair or restore the separation
between what is manifest (the physical body) and not manifest (Source). By
facilitating greater self-awareness, especially when there is inertia, that
feeling of being stuck in any aspect of my life or mental processes, I have
choices to respond in fresh and creative ways, rather than react with habitual
reactions that either arise out of fear or were once important but have long
since become robotically automatic.
Simple? As they say here in
Wisconsin, “You bet!” But it does require commitment and action to facilitate
healing and becoming whole again.
Try this: While laying in
bed, standing, or sitting, give yourself a big hug! The JSJ way is to cross your hands across the
body and slip four fingers under the armpit, thumb on the anterior of your
upper chest like this:
No death grip or strong
bear hug required! Close your eyes and let out a big sigh. Continue with
relaxed breathing and mentally scan your body from head to toes or toes to
head, observing how your body feels: are there sensations, if yes make a mental
note and quickly move on (“I notice my right knee feels stressed and tight
compared to the left, I like the compression of my thighs towards my stomach,
my neck and shoulders just became relaxed...etc.) After awhile, you do not need
to do the body scan, just give yourself a big hug and notice how you feel.
After 10 breaths, a few moments, a half-hour, any amount of time you have is
beneficial.
