Use Jin Shin Jyutsu to Nourish Your Body
There are times when some of the best
remedies can be found in practices used in the ancient past, and this
two-breath finger technique is one of them. Referred to as the ancient
art of Jin Shin Jyutsu, this technique enables you to harmonize your
emotions and nourish your body by holding each of your fingers in
sequence. It's a subtle, yet powerful self-help approach that you can
practice at any time, no matter where you are.
A little history
A Japanese healer and philosopher, Master Jiro Murai, rediscovered this
ancient healing practice in the 20th century. He had been led to the Jin
Shin Jyutsu healing technique in response to his own health problems,
which he had developed during his youth. At the time, he was
overindulgent and frequently entered (and won) contests that involved
consuming large amounts of food and drink. At 26 he fell seriously ill
and doctors diagnosed his condition as incurable and terminal.
Residing in his family's mountain cabin he asked that he be left alone.
Passing in and out of consciousness he had visions of masters using hand
mudras, which he then began to practice on himself. Having done so for
seven days, on his last day he underwent an intense healing experience
and from that point on he vowed to devote his life to discovering the
connection between the hand mudras and his dramatic recovery.
In his quest to discover more, Murai looked for clues in holy and
ancient texts. His search led him to the ancient records of the Kojiki
which he recovered from the Archives of the Imperial Palace. These
writings were what provided information on the origins, philosophy, and
techniques of Jin Shin Jyutsu.
The technique and benefits of finger mudras
While practicing these techniques, keep your hands, arms, and shoulders
as relaxed as possible. Practice each hand gesture in sequence, holding
each one for two, slow, relaxed breaths, proceeding to the next
position. Once you have completed the eighth sequence, remain in a
relaxed meditative state for 10 breaths.
1. Exhaling the burdens and blockages
As illustrated in the diagram, place your
right palm facing upward, fingers spread. With your left hand, place
your thumb on your middle finger, wrapping the rest of your fingers.
Repeat this technique with the opposite hand.
Use: This healing gesture may be used when you have the inability to see
well. It is also a great technique to practice when you are feeling
frustrated, tired all the time or find it difficult to make decisions.
2. Inhaling abundance
Keep your right-hand palm facing down,
fingers spread. Place your left thumb finger over your middle finger as
illustrated in the diagram, and gently wrap the rest of your fingers.
Repeat, this time on your left hand.
Use: This technique is especially helpful when you find it difficult to
inhale deeply. It may also be practiced when you have difficulty
hearing, when your eyes or your feet are bothering you, or when you are
not as alert as usual.
3. Calming and revitalizing
Keep your right palm facing up, draw your
ring and little finger close together. Place your left thumb across the
two fingers, gently wrapping your other four fingers around. Repeat on
the left side.
Use: This is the perfect mudra for nervousness or any worries to do with
the heart. It is also an ideal hand gesture for people who tend to
adopt a 'trying to' approach, or for individuals who suffer from
depression.
4. Releasing general, daily fatigue
Place your right palm face down. Draw your
thumb, index and middle finger close together. Place the thumb of your
left hand over the three fingers, and wrap the rest of your fingers
around.
Use: If you are the type of person who feels tired all the time then
this mudra is for you. It is a great healing technique for individuals
who feel insecure about their finances, work, relationships etc., and is
just the thing to practice should you feel or look old. If you get
irritated and angry over nothing, this is the mudra for you and it
should also be applied by people who tend to worry a lot.
5. Total revitalization
With your left hand make a circle with your
middle finger and thumb (the palm side of the thumb should cover the
nail of the middle finger, as illustrated in the diagram). Place your
right thumb between the fingernail of your middle finger and thumb of
your left hand.
Use: Whenever you have an uneasy feeling. It is also beneficial for
anyone suffering from complexion problems, may be temperamental or has
an uncontrollable craving for sweets.
6. Breathing easy
You may practice this mudra with both hands
at the same time. Just cover your ring fingernails with the palm side
of your thumb.
Use: This is the mudra to practice for anyone with bad skin conditions
or anybody who feels rejected and unloved and may tear up easily. It is
also beneficial for anyone whose ears are bothering them.
7. Exhaling dirt, dust and grease
Interlock your fingers, extending your middle fingers on both the left and right hand. Both fingers should be touching.
Use: Practice this finger technique to harmonize the total mind/body.
8. Inhaling the purified breath of life
Simply touch the middle fingernails of both your left and right hand.
Use: This hand gesture is also used to harmonize the total mind/body.