Jin Shin Jyutsu was introduced to me by Jennifer Taylor who’s passion and enthusiasm for the healing art spread to me like wildfire. I am so grateful Jen shared JSJ, as it is a tremendous gift that has empowered me and all I touch. Fortunately I have been able to attend education sessions in Australia and Singapore and will continue to study until my fingers and toes drop off.
JSJ has permeated all areas of my life particularly as a practitioner and midwife. I have had moments when JSJ is confirmed: like when a birthing Mum lent back into her husbands arms and he held her SEL 11 while she gripped her SEL8 to bear down. The babes I am currently working with in Neonatal Intensive Care have been known to show the middle finger with anger when an intravenous drip is inserted.
Initially I was hesitant with applying JSJ to babes – informed consent is hard to achieve. The staff are familiar with my nonconforming alternative ways and some will seek me out when they are challenged with a distressed babe. Once a senior Dr saw me in action and asked what I was doing I explained and stated the babe didn’t resist. We laughed when she said “that’s fine as long as you don’t bring out hot stones”. Listening to a pulse is a challenge when there are drips but observing the babes gives me clues. I am grateful when I see a babe clenching his /her fingers in a fist as I know they are fighting to be here on earth. When their fingers are splayed stiff and they don’t bring their hands together in the midline I am concerned. Sel 8 is a god send bringing heaven to earth with wind pain and distress for gut babes or even massaging the thumb to get a burp. Feeling the Sel 4 is diagnostic and I have sensed the transformation on babes that are palliative.
I share with the mothers some of the keys of JSJ. They laugh when I tell them Iola’s tip to increase lactation to hold the middle finger. The mothers can be expressing for months and supply diminishes with stress a common situation when your babe’s wellbeing is perilous. For preterm babes and babes with gastrointestinal disorders expressed breast milk is vital to their wellbeing and prevents the occurrence of a life-threatening infection (NEC). Though it increases the pressures on mothers who liken themselves to cows. I bring a bit of humour and chocolate
Parents facing there babes are overwhelmed by the alarms of monitors, the vision of their precious babe hooked to drips, monitoring, drains and the smell of body fluids. Fear can prevent them from reaching out to their little one. I share with them how their touch is healing and positive. The simple act of holding fingers and toes is a two way jumper cable as parents and babe are grounded, reassured and loved.
JSJ supports me too in this environment and I hold my fingers with fervour. Outside of work I enjoy swimming, cycling and running (yep the Sel 1 flow works). When my asthma is projecting I have been found holding my ring finger while freestyle swimming. In learning to balance on a bike with cleats my thumb covered my middle finger over the handle bar – saved me from donating skin to the road. Friends tease me at the start of races when I hold my hands together at my chest to call in the main central and a prayer not to be eaten by Bruce the shark. In teaching yoga the relaxation pose involves the main central.
AS a JSJ practitioner I am delighted to see the action of JSJ and receptivity of clients to this healing art. Homework is passed on to clients with simple pictures to put the power of healing literally in their hands. My clients are my greatest teachers as they bravely share their journey with me. My life is richer from knowing them.
Thank you to the JSJ community for sharing the unlimited potential of our healing art.
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