The Middle Finger in Jin Shin Jyutsu
If you have discovered Jin Shin Jyutsu then you will know that your fingers are powerful tools for harmonising worry, fear, anger, grief and effort. Each time you hold a thumb or a finger, you are balancing 14,400 energy functions! Moreover, the middle finger in Jin Shin Jyutsu plays a significant role in being able to harmonise and balance us on all levels. It is, after all, known as The Great Harmoniser.
In this article, I explore what holding the middle fingers is helpful for.
Watch the video: How the middle finger can help you
ANGER and the Middle Finger
In Jin Shin Jyutsu, every finger corresponds to a specific emotional attitude. The middle finger is directly associated with ANGER, frustration, and irritability. While many people in the heat of the moment display the middle finger in anger, the wisdom of Jin Shin Jyutsu encourages us instead to HOLD the middle finger, not show it.
Holding the middle finger harmonises the energy of anger, preventing it from becoming ‘stuck’ in the body. When left unresolved, anger can manifest as physical symptoms or transform into other emotional imbalances such as resentment or rage. Through the simple act of holding the middle finger, the emotional intensity can soften, making space for clarity, calm, and composure.
This is also helpful when dealing with indecisiveness, lack of mental clarity, or general emotional instability. I find that after holding the middle finger for a few minutes I feel more centered and capable of making the decisions I need to make.
Support Gallbladder and Liver Energy
The middle finger in Jin Shin Jyutsu is also closely connected to the gallbladder and liver energy. Holding it will help support these two very important organ flows.
When the gallbladder energy is in need of support it can really make life quite uncomfortable for us. The energy pathway travels all the way from the head and face down to the toes. When the gallbladder energy is in need you might feel discomfort on the side of the head (and also get headaches), under the chest, on the outer part of the knee and the outer side of the leg, the shin, and the outer ankle. In this older post, I show you the Jin Shin Jyutsu sequence, or flow, you can also practice to harmonise the Gallbladder Energy.
When the liver energy is in need it can cause hip discomforts, the throat can be dry, the chest can be full and tight and there can be nausea. There could also be abdominal discomfort with swelling and bloating.
This makes the middle finger a powerful tool for supporting the body’s internal cleansing and metabolic processes.
Relief for headaches, eyestrain, and digestion
The therapeutic benefits of holding the middle finger go well beyond emotional support. On a physical level, it can provide relief for several common discomforts:
- Headaches and Migraines: Many people have found that gently holding one or both middle fingers can ease headache tension, especially those associated with stress or liver imbalances.
- Eyestrain: With increased screen time, digital fatigue is a modern epidemic. Holding the middle finger helps to soothe tired eyes, particularly after extended periods of reading or computer use.
- Digestive Issues: The middle finger supports both digestion and elimination, helping the body break down food efficiently and process waste. It also supports swallowing and speech coordination.
By encouraging the natural rhythm between breathing and digestion, the middle finger promotes better oxygenation and nutrient assimilation, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all bodily systems.
A gentle aid for hyperactivity and sleep
If you or your children experience hyperactivity, restlessness, or difficulty winding down, then you can try holding the middle finger. By calming overactive energy, it supports nervous system regulation and can be a useful practice before bedtime.
A practice for anytime, anywhere
One of the most empowering aspects of Jin Shin Jyutsu is its accessibility. You don’t need tools, equipment, or even a private space. Whether you’re in a meeting, lying in bed, commuting, or waiting in line, you can simply wrap one hand around the opposite middle finger and hold. There’s no need to press or manipulate: just place the hands, relax them and hold.
Hold each finger for a few minutes – or as long as you like – and notice any shifts that happen internally. You can practice with one hand or both, depending on your comfort and needs. I like to place a small cushion on my lap and rest my hands on it.
The Ripple Effect: Harmonising Energy Affects Others
It’s fascinating to observe what happens when we harmonise our energy. As we calm our own internal landscape, those around us may also experience a shift. A beautiful example of this comes from one of my friends who, after holding her middle fingers to address her own stress, noticed a change in her partner’s mood. Without saying a word or taking any outward action, her calm energy influenced her environment, creating harmony for those nearby. This can also happen with pets!
The middle finger in Jin Shin Jyutsu is far more than a symbol of frustration – it is a gateway to emotional balance, physical well-being, and energetic harmony. From harmonising anger to supporting liver and gallbladder function, from aiding digestion to soothing headaches and sore eyes. The simple act of holding a finger can be profoundly transformational.
Whether you’re new to Jin Shin Jyutsu or a seasoned practitioner, consider integrating this practice into your daily life. Your hands are always with you 24/7!
Interested in practicing Jin Shin Jyutsu regularly?
Join a weekly online Jin Shin Jyutsu session to explore sequences, or flows, in real time with a supportive community. The experience of practicing together adds depth, connection, and even more harmonising potential. For more information see RealTime Group Practice.