Background: Where does this technique come from?
Definition: 20th century technique, reportedly based on ancient Japanese texts. Jin Shin Jyutsu is a simple procedure of placing hands on the body, according to the knowledge of bodily energy flows. It helps to restore an individual's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance. Literally translated, Jin Shin Jyutsu means "Art of the Creator through compassionate and knowing man." (Weskott)
Source: “Jin Shin Jyutsu: An Ancient Art Revisited” by Pia Weskott*, which appears at www.innerself.com/Magazine Other websites: http://sedonajinshinjyutsu.homestead.com† and www.jinshinjyutsu.com** All text below is excerpted from these sites, although it is not specifically quoted and cited. Descriptions.
Origin of Method / History: In the early 1900’s Master
Jiro Murai found the earliest written records on the art of Jin Shin Jyutsu in
the kojiki, an ancient Japanese text, which indicated that it was widely known
and practiced before the birth of Gautama Buddha and Moses. It was passed from
Master to apprentice by oral tradition, but then had fallen into relative
obscurity.* Murai developed Jin Shin Jyutsu further, through personal practice
and his knowledge of other healing systems, including Chinese acupressure
points. He later taught the resulting system to Mary Burmeister, who brought it
to the
Theory: What is energy? What is energy healing?
What energy is worked with? The body contains energy pathways that feed life into all cells. †
Energy centers/pathways: Our revitalizing energy flows up the back and down the front of the body, along 12 organ flows, but can become blocked in 26 "safety energy locks," or what Burmeister terms "specialists," located throughout the body and in the organs themselves. **
What is illness / health? When one or more of these energy paths become blocked or stagnated due to illness, injury, stress or over-exertion, the damming effect can lead to discomfort or pain. †
What is the mechanism for healing? Purpose is to release tensions that cause various physical symptoms. Like acupuncture and acupressure, it reharmonizes and balances the energy flows. †
Who can heal? Training? Burmeister maintains that Jin Shin Jyutsu is an inborn art that anyone can learn without much training. There are formal seminars in the technique, and after attendance of one full seminar, a certificate of completion is issued. Upon completion of a student's third full basic seminar, a second certificate is issued, signifying attainment of minimum practitioner-level training. **
Practice: How does a healing session work for this technique?
Assessment: “A Jin Shin session begins with listening to the pulse, which reveals to the practitioner information about the current flow of energy and state of being of the client... Unlike western medicine, the emphasis is not on diagnosing, but on harmonizing. All disease begins with blockages of energy, and the pulse shows the practitioner the specific energy points that need to be held to restore the harmonious flow, without creating additional stress in the client's mind about the condition.” *
Treatment techniques: The “treatment consists of gently holding points in various combinations until complete harmony of energy and pulsation is established. There is no pain or physical manipulation. The practitioner uses his/her hands and "jumper cables" the energy in order to recharge the "battery of life", enabling universal energy to flow through the client's body.” * ”Jin Shin Jyutsu is not a physical manipulation of tissue and uses only minimal pressure.” ** The effects can travel through the skin and into the bone, and can penetrate through clothing, even a brace or a cast.
A sample flow: On the jinshinjyutsu.com website, a diagram illustrates the main central vertical flow, a “basic and powerful Jin Shin Jyutsu self-help tool.” The right hand rests on the center top of head. Left hand moves down the body to each of 5 positions: center of eyebrows, tip of nose, center sternum, base of sternum, pubic bone. In each position, hands are held “for a couple of minutes, or until a gentle pulsation is perceived.” In the final step, the right hand moves down to the coccyx.
Uses: When is this Technique useful?
Duration / Frequency: A flow can be unblocked through a sequence of steps, or through a "quickie" step as simple as grasping a finger. A session generally lasts about an hour. Although for chronic conditions several sessions might be needed, improvement is usually experienced after only one session. **
What do practitioners say it is useful for: “It is effective in relieving pain; stiff, spastic, or strained muscles and joints; respiratory conditions; appetite imbalance; and reproductive difficulties. It has a dramatic effect on emotional problems, and people frequently have experiences of spiritual integration during or after a session. Stress is alleviated and the client leaves feeling much more centered and relaxed.” *
Contraindications: “We cannot do wrong because we are not doing anything. We are only jumper cables." **
Other uses: It is a valuable complement to conventional healing methods, inducing relaxation and reducing the effects of stress.
Spiritual
Component: “Perhaps most important is
the experience of wholeness and connectedness that Jin Shin Jyutsu provides.
Whatever the initial motivation for the treatment, the client comes away with a
sense of inner knowing that brings peace and serenity. It returns to one the
awareness that security lies within and that no external circumstance can alter
that fact. It empowers by returning the self to a more natural and healthy
state...and through simple instruction, it can be used at home. The ultimate
goal of Jin Shin Jyutsu is: know thyself.” *
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