by Michelle Giambra 

When I am at home, my cat is virtually always with me. She is my constant companion.  Jin Shin Jyutsu® is the same—my constant companion, always with me, a reliable friend that I can always count on.   

If my mind is preoccupied with worry, I hold my thumb. The mind chatter calms, and I think more clearly. If my back aches, holding my index finger provides relief. My vision gets blurry when I spend a lot of time on the computer, but 15 minutes or so of touching the back of my head is like having my lenses wiped clean. When I feel overwhelmed, I “give myself a big hug.” The energy shifts, and I connect with a centeredness of being. 

One day, I was rushing and twisted both of my ankles. The pain was excruciating, and by the evening, I could barely walk. I thought for sure that I would be stuck in bed for at least a day. However, thanks to Jin Shin Jyutsu, I woke up the next morning virtually pain-free and completely hobble-free! 

The birth of Jin Shin Jyutsu as we know it today began in 1912 in Japan, when Jiro Murai dramatically cured himself of a terminal illness. Following his “miraculous” recovery, Master Murai dedicated the rest of his life to research, study, practice, develop and eventually teach Jin Shin Jyutsu. A true scientist, he used many research methods, studied ancient texts, and documented his findings. After 34 years of gathering insight, he then started teaching others this wisdom and practice. 

Mary Burmeister met Master Murai when she was visiting Japan in the 1940’s. She attended his private lectures and launched her lifelong study of Jin Shin Jyutsu. Mary returned to the United States in the 1950’s, then after decades of devoted study and practice, she began to teach others and created textbooks and self–help books to share this knowledge with the world.   

Jin Shin Jyutsu is more than a technique. Techniques are limiting, but Jin Shin Jyutsu is an art that inspires self-awareness, enhances self-understanding and provides practical applications to maintain and restore harmony on all levels of being. An artist learns skills, then with awareness and understanding, they apply their tools. 

In Jin Shin Jyutsu, the tools are the hands through which Universal Life Energy flows. The body contains 52 energy centers (safety energy locks), each with specific functions. Gently touching the safety energy locks in a single hold—or a sequence of holds—restores a harmonious flow of life energy through the body.  

Jin Shin Jyutsu can be received from a trained practitioner or applied on oneself.  Regular harmonizing is beneficial to maintain proper flow and functioning of energy pathways, relieve stress, re-energize the body, mind and spirit, and feel both happy and calm. 

            Jin Shin Jyutsu has enriched my life beyond measure. It helps me connect with my inner harmony. It brings to life ancient truths, making them real and tangible. It is enlightening as it unburdens body, mind and spirit. Labels and judgments are removed. Perceptions shift, and the world looks brighter. It is my constant companion—always with me, a reliable friend I can always count on. Jin Shin Jyutsu is always with you too! 

Michelle Giambra, Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner and Self-Help Instructor, LMT has over 20 years of experience with Jin Shin Jyutsu. She offers private sessions, teaches self-help and leads meditations at her studio, Suncoast Jin Shin Jyutsu. Call 941-228-2972, email [email protected], or visit SuncoastJSJ.com. The Jin Shin Jyutsu information provided in this article is intended to complement, not replace, the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional.