The key is to balance the exhale and the inhale
Breathing, is of course, essential to every one of us. But sometimes we need a bit of help. The good news is that we can clear the chest and breathe more easily with these Jin Shin Jyutsu self help holds.
First, a look at the Breath
Fundamentally, the practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu enables us to balance our breath between the exhale and the inhale.
Whether we hold a thumb or a finger or practice a sequence of holds, it always boils down to this.
Exhale and Let Go
The exhale clears out stresses and congested energy. Furthermore, when we don’t exhale properly we don’t LET GO. The interesting thing is that we need to exhale first – empty the vessel, as it were – to be able to fully receive the inhale.
Mary Burmeister, a foremost teacher of Jin Shin Jyutsu, said: “Exhale to unload all dirt, dust and greasy grime.”
Inhale and Receive
When we exhale properly, we are able to RECEIVE the inhale. By the way, we never ‘take’ a breath. We always ‘receive’ a breath.
Mary said: “Inhale to receive an abundance of fresh, pure energy.”
How to practice Jin Shin Jyutsu
Sit or lie comfortably. Use cushions to support your arms if you like. Close your eyes, and place your hands as shown for a few minutes. Easy!
Clear the chest and breathe more easily with Jin Shin Jyutsu
Exercise 1
First up: An exercise using two Safety Energy Locks (SELs) to balance the exhale and the inhale, as well as clear the chest and help us breathe more easily.
There are 26 SELs on the body – 26 on the left side, and 26 mirror images on the right side. The Safety Energy Lock system is unique to Jin Shin Jyutsu. They are spheres of concentrated energy that we can place our hands on, and when we do, we ‘recharge’ them. It’s very clever – one of my clients called it a very elegant way to heal our whole being. But I digress…
SEL 11 is located where the neck joins the shoulder. It helps us exhale. SEL 22 is located just under the collarbone. It helps us inhale. These two energy sites are located on the left and right side of the body.
To clear the left side, place the left hand over left shoulder and place the right hand just under left collarbone. (see image above)
To clear the right side, place the right hand over right shoulder and place the left hand just under right collarbone.
Hold for 3-5 minutes or until there is relief.
Exercise 2
Then, a simple exercise to also help breathing and clear chest congestion. Very good also to settle the system if there is emotional upset.
Cross your arms. Place the left hand on the right upper arm and place the right hand on the left upper arm. (see image above)
Hold for 3-5 minutes or until there is relief.
Do these exercises regularly and feel the difference!
Watch the video below for the exercise:
You might also like:
My guided self help Practice Hour to Clear the Chest and breathe more easily (with video)
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