The power of the Jin Shin Jyutsu Thumb
When I was out in the countryside on a warm day, I felt an urge to share something truly simple yet profoundly transformative: the power of holding the thumb in the practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu.
There’s something about being in nature that reminds us how BE-ing in harmony doesn’t have to be complicated. Jin Shin Jyutsu is like that: calming, natural, and accessible to every body.
Whether you’re sitting under a tree or at your desk, this gentle practice invites you to reconnect with your own energy and support your health and wellbeing in a meaningful, hands-on way.
Watch the video where I explain what the thumb is good for
What Is Jin Shin Jyutsu?
Jin Shin Jyutsu is a universal Art of harmonising the life energy in the body. Born of innate wisdom and passed down through generations by word of mouth, it was all but lost until…it was revived in the early 1900s by Master Jiro Murai in Japan.
After recovering from a life-threatening illness, Master Murai dedicated his life to the study and development of this healing Art, which he believed to be humanity’s birthright.
He later entrusted his teachings to Mary Burmeister, who introduced them to the West in the 1950s. Mary developed Jin Shin Jyutsu into a simple, empowering form of self help that anyone can use.
It all starts with the Thumb
Mary Burmeister described the thumb as “the leader of the parade.” Just like a parade needs its leader to stay in sync, our body’s energy depends on the thumb being in harmony. When the energy associated with the thumb flows properly, the entire system can function more smoothly. That’s because all the energy in our being is connected.
Some people find it incredible that just holding the thumb can be so powerful – they are in disbelief. The truth of the matter is that when we hold a thumb, we activate 14,400 energy functions in the body. Indirectly, that helps all 144,000 of our energy functions!
Digestive Support and the Jin Shin Jyutsu Thumb
One of the thumb’s key associations is with digestion. Babies instinctively suck their thumbs, and in Jin Shin Jyutsu, we recognise this as an unconscious ‘listening’ to the body’s innate wisdom. The thumb also supports the stomach and spleen organ flows, which not only govern digestion but also help manage mental activity and fatigue.
As adults, we can use the same principle. Instead of sucking our thumbs, we simply hold them. Experiencing tummy aches, bloating, or general discomfort? Wrap your hand around your thumb, sit quietly, close your eyes, and breathe. This simple act can offer powerful relief after just a few minutes.
Headaches, Worry, and Sleeplessness
The Jin Shin Jyutsu thumb is also your go-to for tension headaches and stress. At the base of the thumb is a vital energy site (Safety Energy Lock) that helps clear the head. At the first signs of tension or a headache, gently slide your fingers from the thumb down to its base and hold that area too.
This same technique can ease anxiety and racing thoughts. And this is especially helpful if you struggle to sleep. I’ve seen this work even during casual conversations. Once, a colleague tried this thumb hold during a chat and was stunned to find her headache that had lasted for days, vanish in minutes.
Another benefit? The thumb hold is grounding. If you feel scattered, overwhelmed, or emotionally unstable, this practice brings you back to the present moment and centers you.
How to practice the Thumb Hold
Here’s how to begin:
- Sit quietly and comfortably.
- If you have a small cushion handy, place it on your lap. Rest your hands on the cushion.
- Wrap your right hand gently around your left thumb. Hold.
- Close your eyes.
- After a minute or two, switch sides.
You can do this at anytime: at your desk, in bed, while waiting at a bus stop. The more you practice, the more effective it becomes. The best news is that the effects are cumulative. Every day you hold your thumb, you harmonise and energise more deeply.
Children love it!
If you’re new to Jin Shin Jyutsu or simply looking for natural ways to feel better, I invite you to try this thumb hold today. It’s safe, free, and can be done by anyone, even children! Teach your little ones to hold their thumbs when they have a tummy ache or feel worried. It’s a beautiful gift of self help they can learn for life.
Final Thoughts on the Jin Shin Jyutsu Thumb
The Jin Shin Jyutsu Thumb supports your digestion, clears your head, calms your emotions, and reconnects you to yourself. In a world that often feels overwhelming, this simple practice offers peace, balance, and healing – right at your fingertips.
Want to practice more?
If you’re interested in exploring Jin Shin Jyutsu further, I offer weekly group practice sessions. For more information see: Weekly Group Practice
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My Illustrated Workbook Bundle in PDF format where I show you various Jin Shin Jyutsu exercises to help Alleviate Fatigue, Clear Tension and Stress in the body, Relieve Anxiety and deal with Emergencies.