Get relief from sciatic nerve pain
Sciatica can be a deeply uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating condition. If you’ve ever felt pain radiating from your lower back down the back of your leg, you may have experienced sciatica. In this post, I’ll explain what it is, how to recognise it, and how to ease discomfort and pain from sciatica with some simple Jin Shin Jyutsu exercises.
Watch the video: Jin Shin Jyutsu for sciatica
What is sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body, running from the lower spine down through the buttocks, legs, and feet. Sciatica occurs when this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness along its pathway.
According to the Mayo Clinic, sciatica is typically characterised by:
- Pain radiating from the lower (lumbar) spine to the buttock and down the back of the leg
- Discomfort that can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or even excruciating pain
- Possible sensations of electric shocks, jolts, or tingling
- Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, coughing, or sneezing
- Symptoms that usually affect only one side of the body
Common causes of sciatica include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, muscle tension, or piriformis syndrome. In many cases, the pain goes away but if it persists or worsens I would suggest you see your physician.
Why the neck matters in sciatica
It may not be obvious, but tension in the neck can affect sciatica.
When we study Jin Shin Jyutsu we learn that different areas of the body are connected by energy pathways – similar to rivers. If an area becomes blocked, it can create tension or discomfort in another part of the body. One crucial energy site which is located on the back of the neck is known as Safety Energy Lock 12. This SEL plays a key role in releasing tension and promoting energy flow.
When I see a client suffering from sciatica, I always check their neck first. In many cases, it is extremely tight. By clearing tension from the neck, we can help release blockages and restore balance to the lower body.
Interestingly, tension that builds up in the neck and at SEL 12 can be caused by stubbornness. When we are determined not to change our attitude or position on something, that stubbornness might just eventually manifest as sciatica.
When we LET GO of the tension in the neck we are able to surrender to the Universal Mind: the effort of DOING becomes effortless BEING. Isn’t it great to know that we can use our hands to help bring about that change?
Not only for sciatica
Clearing Safety Energy Lock 12 on the back of the neck also helps eliminate toxins from the body. It helps us embrace the FUN of life – it keeps us young! Also great to relieve tension down the arms.
Sciatica relief with Jin Shin Jyutsu Exercise
The key to remember is that if your sciatica is in the right leg, focus on clearing the left side of the neck (and vice versa).
The Bladder flow is also helpful to relieve back and leg pain. See this article: A great Jin Shin Jyutsu exercise for back pain.
Relieve sciatica with this Jin Shin Jyutsu flow – hold each position for 2 minutes or more. Total practice time for both sides is about 18 minutes.
For pain down the right leg (shown)
Position 1:
Place left hand on left side of neck at SEL 12 and
right hand on right side of neck at SEL 12, then
Position 2:
Place right hand, palm up, on coccyx (tailbone), then
Position 3:
Slide right hand out so that the right fingers are on right sit bone at SEL 25, then
Position 4:
Place right hand on right top of hip at SEL 2, then
Position 5:
Place right hand on right side of neck at SEL 12, then can move on to the other side.
For pain down the left leg
Position 1:
Keep right hand on right side of neck at SEL 12 and
Place left hand on left side of the neck at SEL 12, then
Position 2:
Place left hand, palm up, on coccyx (tailbone), then
Position 3:
Slide left hand out so that the left fingers are on left sit bone at SEL 25, then
Position 4:
Place left hand on left top of hip at SEL 2, then
Position 5:
Place left hand on left side of neck at SEL 12,
holding both sides of the neck to finish.
Please note: These exercises might fully alleviate sciatica, or you might need to use them as part of a programme which includes other therapies.
When to see a doctor
While Jin Shin Jyutsu can be a powerful tool for pain relief, it is not a substitute for medical care. Seek medical attention if:
- Your symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen over time
- You experience sudden, severe pain, numbness, or muscle weakness
- The pain follows an injury, such as a fall or car accident
- You have difficulty controlling your bowel or bladder (a sign of a serious condition requiring emergency care)
You may also like:
Jin Shin Jyutsu Guided Practice Hour for the Immune System
See these other Jin Shin Jyutsu exercises:
Sources: Mayoclinic.org