As we navigate the challenges of responding to the current pandemic, we are reaching into our toolbox of simple, low tech techniques that we have used over the years to bring calm and grounding to ourselves.We love this because it is the ultimate in simplicity--all you need is two free hands! It's lovely if you can sit undisturbed with eyes closed, but I have found it useful and effective in all kinds of situation--including sitting in a dental chair!If you are "cocooning" (reframing "Stay at Home" into something that sounds warmer and fuzzier--why not?) with others in your household, you can even do this while listening to your favorite inspiring music, audio book or watching a movie. Give it a try.
Jin Shin Jyutsu Fingerholds
Just wrap your right hand around the thumb or a finger of the left hand. Relax your hands and hold. For best results, sit comfortably and close your eyes.By holding each thumb and finger in turn every day for a few minutes, we can calm the mind, soothe the nervous system, and regenerate our whole being.The following practice is a simple way to work with emotions by holding each finger. Emotions and feelings are like waves of energy moving through the body and mind. Through each finger runs a channel or meridian of energy connected with an organ system and related emotions.With strong or overwhelming feelings, energy can become blocked or repressed, resulting in pain or congestion in the body. Holding each finger while breathing deeply can bring emotional and physical release and healing. The fingerholds are a very helpful tool to use in daily life.
In difficult or challenging situations when tears, anger or anxiety arise, the fingers may be held to bring peace, focus and calm so that the appropriate response or action may be taken. The practice may also be done for relaxation with music, or used before going to sleep to release the problems of the day and to bring deep peace to body and mind.
Hold Thumb for TRUST
Hold index finger for PEACE OF MIND
Hold Middle Finger for JOY
Hold Ring Finger for COMFORT
Hold Pinky Finger for TRUTH
Fingerhold Practice
Hold each finger with the opposite hand 2-5 minutes. You can work with either hand.Breathe in deeply; recognize and acknowledge the strong or disturbing feelings or emotions you hold inside yourself. Breathe out slowly and let go. Imagine the feelings draining out your finger into the earth.Breathe in a sense of harmony, strength and healing. And breathe out slowly, releasing past feelings and problems.Often as you hold each finger, you can feel a pulsing sensation as the energy and feelings move and become balanced.Originating from Japan, the name Jin Shin Jyutsu literally translates to “The Art of the Creator Through the Person of Knowing and Compassion.” Similar to acupressure, Jin Shin Jyutsu uses light touch over specific areas on the body to balance and restore the energy flow to a more harmonious state. Jin Shin Jyutsu addresses the body, mind, and spirit and supports the body’s innate ability to heal when in balance.
