The Touch of Healing

by Alice Burmeister

  The middle joints in both fingers and toes correspond to the face, digestive functions, abdomen, and calves. Jumper-cabling these middle joints helps relieve any blockages in these areas. Finally, the bottom joints of the fingers and toes correspond to the neck, pelvis, and feet, as well as to the overall physical body. When we jumper-cable the bottom joints, energy is directed to these areas.

  Jiro Murai also saw a similar relationship between the three sets of digit joints and the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The upper-third joints correspond to the upper palms and soles. Similarly, the middle joints of the digits correspond to the center of the palms and soles. The lower joints of the fingers and toes conform to the heels of the hands and feet.

  Jin Shin Jyutsu also recognizes that there is an analogous relationship between the opposite fingers and toes. These relationships will become more apparent if you place one hand over the opposite foot. This way you can see how the thumb lines up with the little toe, the index finger with the ring toe, and so on.

  What follows are self-help sequences that utilize these relationships between the hands and feet to help restore health and harmony.

  THE PALMS AND SOLES: REVITALIZING THE ENTIRE BEING

  The centers of the palms and the soles are related to the Main Central Flow, the source of our life energy. This energy, which nourishes all the cells of the body, can therefore be harmonized using the palms and soles. Often people clench their hands unconsciously to help themselves regenerate and revitalize their fatigued and run-down condition. Clenched hands signify much tension and stress, whereas open palms suggest a more relaxed state of being.

  The following two sequences can be used to alleviate exhaustion, mental confusion, eye strain, and abdominal cramping. They also help circulation in the feet.

  The Palms

  Place the palm sides of your hands together, so that your right fingertips touch the left palm and your left fingertips touch the right palm. (See Figure 8.9.)

  FIGURE 8.9

  The Soles of the Feet

  With your left hand, hold the left foot in such a way that your fingertips touch the center of the sole, while your thumb holds the top of the foot. (See Figure 8.10.) You can jumper-cable one foot at a time or both feet simultaneously.

  FIGURE 8.10

  OPPOSITE FINGERS AND TOES

  The Thumbs and the Little Toes

  The “needy” thumbs and little toes are often the most sensitive digits to jumper-cable. Accordingly, they frequently need the most recharging and the most loving care.

  Jin Shin Jyutsu regards the thumbs as the “leaders of the parade.” If the thumb energy is not in rhythm, then all that follows will be out of step.

  The thumbs dissipate general daily fatigue and promote healthy digestive function. By jumper-cabling either one, we can release tension from the head, shoulders, and lungs.

  The little toes harmonize all forms of muscle cramping and help to eliminate headaches. They release fear, insecurity, uncertainty, jealousy, feelings of revenge, and stubbornness.

  By jumper-cabling the little toes, you can release tension from the back and promote healthy assimilation and elimination and stronger reproductive functions. (See Figure 8.11.) The little toes also strengthen the kidney and bladder functions.

  Like the mudras, these finger and toe sequences can be used to alleviate mental stresses regarding physical conditions. The thumb-and-little-toe sequence can be used whenever you find yourself thinking any of the following:

  FIGURE 8.11

  • I’m out of balance.

  • I have a hard time breathing.

  • My heartbeat is irregular.

  • I have a fever.

  • My digestive system is out of balance.

  • I feel nervous.

  • I have muscle spasms.

  • I tire easily.

  • I’m a worrier.

  • I’m insecure and unsure of myself.

  • I can’t seem to lose weight.

  • I feel bloated.

  FIGURE 8.12

  The Index Fingers and Ring Toes

  By jumper-cabling the index fingers, you can affect the functions that revitalize the bones and bone marrow. (See Figure 8.12.) Jumper-cabling the index fingers helps babies eliminate discomforts related to teething and drooling; promotes healing of teeth and gums; prevents graying and thinning of hair; and promotes healthy circulation throughout the body.

  Holding the index fingers and ring toes help to reduce fear and depression. It is also useful for the release of blockages that cause bloating, fluid retention, and gas. The ring toes by themselves can be jumper-cabled to revitalize the liver, gall bladder, spleen, pancreas, and diaphragm functions. Also, the back and the respiratory system can be strengthened through their application.

  Hold the ring toes and the index fingers whenever you find yourself thinking:

  • I’m insecure and afraid.

  • I feel negative.

  • I feel lonely and unloved.

  • I can’t seem to get ahead. I’m always in need.

  • I’m bored.

  • I’m constipated.

  • I have chronic ear problems.

  • I have bursitis, tennis elbow, and wrist and/or finger pains.

  • My nails look terrible.

  The Middle Toes and the Middle Fingers

  Jumper-cabling the middle toes and the middle fingers is a general harmonizer, but it is especially powerful for the respiratory and digestive functions. (See Figure 8.13.) It promotes optimal and healthy production of milk for mothers who are breastfeeding. It releases tension and stress from the knees.

  This exercise is useful when you are experiencing any of the following:

  FIGURE 8.13

  • I’m angry.

  • I’m tired. I look haggard.

  • I bruise easily.

  • I have migraines.

  • My eyes are giving me problems.

  • I can’t breathe.

  • My digestion is giving me problems.

  • I have swallowing problems.

  • I have speech problems.

  • I have hearing problems.

  • I’m always hyper—I can’t relax.

  The Index Toes and the Ring Fingers

  By holding the index toes and the ring fingers, we can release tension and stress in the chest, breathing, and digestive system. (See Figure 8.14.) This is also excellent for restoring joy to one’s being, clearing the mind, and improving eyesight.

  Use this sequence whenever you feel:

  FIGURE 8.14

  • I’m out of harmony.

  • My emotions are shot.

  • I’m unhappy and can’t seem to get myself out of it.

  • I’m a victim of my thoughts, my feelings, my desires. I can’t even breathe, my chest is so tight. I’m full of mucus.

  • I sound weepy even when I’m not sad.

  • I’m just a sorry mess. I have skin problems, rashes, and excess body hair.

  • My eyes are bothering me.

  • I have digestive problems.

  • I have no energy, but the more I lie around, the worse I feel.

  The Big Toes and Little Fingers

  The little fingers and big toes harmonize the circulatory, nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems. They also aid in relieving ear problems and digestive stress. (See Figure 8.15.) Jumper-cabling the little fingers and big toes can bring laughter into our lives. It can also reduce bloating or ankle swelling. If you find yourself unable to think clearly or if you suffer from headaches or respiratory problems, holding the little fingers and big toes can provide the remedy.

  Also hold these fingers and toes whenever you feel:

  FIGURE 8.15

  • I’m so embarrassed when I start stuttering. I panic, and that doesn’t help matters.

  • I perspire so, it’s embarrassing.

  • I’m thirsty all the time.

  • I try so hard, but
I can’t seem to make much headway, and I get discouraged.

  • How can I be happy, anyway?

  • I’m getting varicose veins, and they’re beginning to hurt and look ugly.

  • I have digestive problems and heartburn, which worry me.

  • My hearing is getting bad.

  • I have a ringing in my ears.

  • My skin is dry.

  • I don’t seem to have any enthusiasm or joy.

  • I guess I’ll never succeed. I am a failure.

  • I try walking to build up my strength, but I feel worse after my walks.

  • My baby has trouble sleeping.

  • I broke my leg.

  • I sprained my ankle.

  • I’m accident-prone.

  • I have urinary problems.

  • I have no energy.

  • I have a sweet tooth.

  The creative power of the entire universe lies within each one of these fingers and toes. The only way we can know this, however, is to experience the transformation that takes place when we actually jumper-cable them. We can be our own testimony and see for ourselves what beautiful and dynamic tools we are endowed with.

  first aid and on-the-spot healing

  chapter nine

  Throughout this book, we have seen a wide range of applications for Jin Shin Jyutsu. It can be used as a preventive measure, and it can be used to relieve chronic, longstanding conditions. Jin Shin Jyutsu is also quite effective as first aid in emergencies. Its immediate accessibility allows us to use it for situations requiring on-the-spot care. It can be used when help is otherwise impossible to secure, such as during travel in remote areas. It is also beneficial as an adjunct to conventional methods of treatment. Its gentle, noninvasive nature assures that its application is safe and does not interfere with other treatments.

  The following is a listing of the many ways in which Jin Shin Jyutsu can be applied either as first aid or for chronic conditions. These quickies may be used either for oneself or to assist others. Some of the sequences are repeated several times throughout the chapter—they are beneficial in a wide variety of situations.

  FIGURE 9.1

  Alertness—Sit on your hands, either on the palms or on the backs of the hands, while holding SEL 25, located at the ischium (sit-bones).

  Allergies—Hold the high SEL 19 (at the upper arm) and the opposite SEL 1 (on the inner thigh).

  Ankle and foot projects—Hold the wrist opposite the sore ankle at SEL 17.

  Anxiety—Cross the arms and hold the outer edge of the shoulder blades, near the underarms, at SEL 26.

  Appetite balance—Hold the base of the cheekbones at SEL 21.

  Arthritis—While holding the left foot, hold SEL 5, at the inner ankle, with your right hand and SEL 16, at the outer ankle, with your left hand. For the right foot, hold SEL 5, at the inner ankle, with your right hand, and SEL 16, at the outer ankle, with your left hand. (See Figure 9.1.)

  FIGURE 9.2

  Asthma and breathing difficulties—With your left hand, hold the base of the left rib cage at SEL 14, and with your right, hold the right SEL 23, at the small of the back. (See Figure 9.2.)

  FIGURE 9.3

  Backache and sciatica—Hold both the left and right SEL 15s, at the groin.

  Bleeding—Place your right hand on the area of bleeding, and your left hand over the right hand. (See Figure 9.3.) Women who experience excessive menstrual flow can apply this hold to their lower abdominal area.

  FIGURE 9.4

  Bloating, swelling, and water retention—Cross your hands, and hold the inside of the knees at SEL 1.

  Breast projects—Cross your arms, and hold the outer edge of the shoulder blades, near the underarms, at SEL 26.

  Bunions—Hold the crease of the elbow at thumb-side SEL 19, and hold the same-side outer back of the knee at SEL 8. (See Figure 9.4.)

  FIGURE 9.5

  Burns—Palm the area, or if that is too painful, palm the area above the burn (a few inches away from the burned skin). (See Figure 9.5.)

  FIGURE 9.6

  Cholesterol balance—Hold the center of the palm of your hands.

  Chronic fatigue syndrome—Hold the small of the back on both sides of the spine at SEL 23.

  Colds, flu, and fever—Hold the upper shoulder, at SEL 3, and the same-side groin at SEL 15.

  Constipation—Hold the left calf, at low SEL 8.

  Cramps and spasms—Hold left and right SEL 23, at the small of the back.

  Depression—Hold the area just below the collarbone, at SEL 22, and opposite SEL 23, at the small of the back. (See Figure 9.6.)

  FIGURE 9.7

  Diarrhea—Hold the right calf at low SEL 8.

  Dizziness—Hold the base of the cheekbones at SEL 21.

  Ear ringing—Hold the ring finger.

  Eyestrain—Hold the back of the head, at SEL 4, and the opposite cheekbone, at SEL 21. (See Figure 9.7.)

  FIGURE 9.8

  Fainting, unconsciousness—Hold the base of the skull at the SEL 4s.

  Fertility—Hold both SEL 13s, at the chest.

  Hammer toes—Palm the hammer toe, and hold the opposite arch at SEL 6.

  Hangovers—Hold the upper shoulders and neck at SEL 11, SEL 12, and SEL 3.

  Headaches:

  Back-of-head headache—Hold the thumb at SEL 18.

  Frontal headache—Hold the outer ankle at SEL 16.

  Migraine—Hold both SEL 16 and SEL 18.

  Hearing difficulties—Hold the shoulder at SEL 11, and the opposite chest at SEL 13.

  Heartburn—Hold the area below the base of the sternum between the SEL 14s.

  Heart conditions—Hold the little fingers.

  Hiccups—Hold the area just behind the earlobes at lateral SEL 12.

  Hot flashes—Hold the left calf at SEL 8.

  Immune system—Hold the upper shoulder at SEL 3, and the same-side groin at SEL 15.

  Impotency and sexual projects—Hold both sides at SEL 13, on the chest.

  Insect bites—Place your left hand directly on the bite, and place your right hand over the left hand. (See Figure 9.8.) This hold can also be used for removing splinters.

  FIGURE 9.9

  Insomnia—Hold the base of the thumb at SEL 18.

  Jaw projects—Hold the painful jaw area and the opposite outer ankle at SEL 16.

  Joint pain—Palm the area of joint discomfort.

  Knee projects—Cross your arms, and hold your upper arms at high SEL 19.

  Labor and delivery—Hold the lower back at SEL 2, and hold the opposite inside knee at SEL 1.

  Memory—Place your right hand on top of the head, and place your left fingers between the eyebrows.

  Menstrual tension—Hold both SELs 13 at the chest.

  Muscle cramps—Hold the outer backs of the knees, at SEL 8.

  Nausea—Cross your hands, and I hold high SEL 1 at the inner thighs.

  Neck tension—Hold SEL 12 at the neck, and hold the base of the spine (coccyx). (See Figure 9.9.)

  Nursing mothers—Hold the middle finger.

  Reproductive projects (male and female)—Hold both sides of the chest, at SEL 13.

  Shoulder tension—Hold the shoulder at SEL 11, and hold the same-side groin at SEL 15.

  Sinus projects—Cross your arms, and hold SEL 19 by the crease of the elbow on the thumb side.

  Skin projects (acne, rashes, etc.)—Palm both calves.

  Tantrums—Hold the big toes, at SEL 7.

  Toothache—Hold the index finger on the side opposite the painful tooth.

  Wrist pain—Cross your arms, and hold SEL 19 by the crease of the elbow, on the thumb side.

  appendix

  The following are the most frequently asked questions regarding the study and practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu.

  How does one go about studying Jin Shin Jyutsu?

  The Jin Shin Jyutsu basic five-day training is taught several times each year throughout the world. The seminar lasts thirty-five hours and combines
combination lectures and hands-on training. Some students enroll intending to become practitioners, while others do so purely for personal reasons.

  The training is comprised of two parts (each with an accompanying text):

  In Part I (three days) the primary focus is on the vital relationship between invisible energy, how we breathe, the attitudes we hold, and their impact on the physical body. The concept of an invisible life energy is studied throughout the seminar. Continual reference is made to discerning the threefold nature of Man—spirit, mind, and body—and their interrelationships, and on understanding the role they play in our lives.

  Besides a general introduction to Jin Shin Jyutsu, Part I describes its history and philosophy. It explains the Trinity Flows and the Diagonal Mediators, the location of the twenty-six safety energy locks, and the sequences for harmonizing them and for balancing specific discordant energy patterns.

  The main focus of Part II (two days) is on the manifested physical body. It introduces pulse listening and the twelve organ flows, including their circulation pathways, ways of restoring them to balance, and sequences for harmonizing specific imbalances.

  How many Jin Shin Jyutsu instructors are there?

  There are twelve instructors sanctioned by Mary Burmeister and by Jin Shin Jyutsu, Inc., to teach the five-day seminar and provide related materials.

  Susan M. Brooks, Ph.D.

  Muriel Carlton

  Philomena Dooley

  Carlos Gutterres

  Wayne Hackett

  Ian Kraut

  Iole Lebensztajn

  Brigitta Meinhardt