Jin Shin Jyutsu to breathe deeply
Life can be overwhelming and we all have those days when we just feel out of sorts. Your mind races, your chest feels tight, your tummy feels knotted and your breath is shallow. But never fear, Jin Shin Jyutsu comes to the rescue to help you breathe deeply, restore energy flow and rebalance your whole being. By getting the energy to move again with this simple exercise, you can breathe easy and feel centered, and grounded. Back to feeling your beautiful self.
Watch the video: Jin Shin Jyutsu for easy breathing
The unique system that helps us with all our human experiences
In Jin Shin Jyutsu, the body is understood as a network of energy pathways that nourish every cell and organ. When energy flows freely, we feel good. But when that flow is blocked or stagnant, disharmony starts to take hold which could be felt physically, mentally, emotionally, digestively and spiritually.
Luckily, we have a system of 26 Safety Energy Locks (SELs), energy sites which are appropriately located on the left and right sides of the body, to help us with all of our human experiences (yes, you read that right). This system, which is unique to Jin Shin Jyutsu, is complete and can help us with all our human conditions.
I always like to reiterate that these Safety Energy Locks are not specific points, but rather spheres of concentrated energy, each about the size of your palm. Think of them as your body’s built-in alarm system. When something’s ‘off’, they signal where attention is needed.
The beauty of this is that the remedy is as simple as touch. By gently placing our hands on these specific areas of the body, we can help energy flow again, relieve tension and stress so that we can be healthier and feel happier – the way we are meant to be!
Two key SELs to help us breathe properly
Among the 26 Safety Energy Locks, two stand out as especially powerful for harmonising and calming the whole being: SEL 1 and SEL 2.
These two work in harmony. SEL 1 helps us EXHALE and LET GO (of stress and tension) and SEL 2 helps us INHALE and RECEIVE (pure energy to clean and repair the body). Together, they balance the full breath cycle, which is the foundation of everything: movement, calm, and renewal.
SEL 1 and 2 can also help when there is abdominal discomfort, headaches, heavy legs and lower back pain.
- SEL 1 is located on the inside of the knee (left and right)
It has a descending function (down the front). This is where movement begins. Called the Prime Mover, its main objective is to help the energy flow from head to toes. When life feels stuck holding this area encourages us to let go and start moving forward again. - SEL 2 sits on the top of the hip (left and right)
It has an ascending function (up the back). This is the life-giving energy that comes with every inhale.
While SEL 1 helps us release, SEL 2 helps us replenish – a wonderful combination to work with at any time.
How to practice this Jin Shin Jyutsu Exercise
You don’t need any special setup to practice this self help, just a few quiet minutes and a comfortable place to sit. I start with the right side, but you can start with the left side. There is no hard fast rule about that. Usually, if you feel that one side is tenser than the other, start with that side. If it feels uncomfortable to practice on the side that is more tense, start with the other side first. The side that is not so tense will start clearing the other side.
First (right side shown)
Place left hand on right inside of knee at SEL 1
Then
Place right hand on right top of hip at SEL 2
Hold this position for a few minutes or as long as you feel is comfortable. Then do this other side: place right hand on left inside of knee at SEL 1 and place left hand on left top of hip at SEL 2.
Feel the difference!
After 26 years of practicing Jin Shin Jyutsu I am still delightfully amazed at how something so simple can help me feel so much better, so different. This is because Jin Shin Jyutsu isn’t just about physical relief – it supports the whole being. And this simple gem of a hold helps calm the nervous system, clear the mind, and restore the natural rhythm between exhaling and inhaling, between letting go and receiving.
One way to look at it is as follows:
When the breath is balanced, the energy follows.
When the energy flows, the mind quiets.
And when the mind quiets, the body begins to heal.
Simple as that.
This gentle practice becomes a way to reset – to come back to yourself when life feels overwhelming or out of sync.
Want to practice Jin Shin Jyutsu regularly?
If you’d like to explore Jin Shin Jyutsu further, I offer weekly group sessions where I gather with people from around the world to practice different Jin Shin Jyutsu exercises. Each week offers a new focus – a new way to harmonise energy and deepen awareness.
The shared group energy often amplifies the calm and clarity that this practice brings. If you’re interested please visit this page: Jin Shin Jyutsu Group Practice Sessions