The power of the THUMBS in Jin Shin Jyutsu
The hands play a key part in the practice of this universal Art called Jin Shin Jyutsu. Equally, the thumbs and fingers form the basis of self help. The thumbs in Jin Shin Jyutsu are like the leaders in a parade.
If the thumb is not in rhythm, then all that follow the leader will get out of step, out of harmony. Holding your thumbs is a simple yet powerful self help that anyone can do!
Watch the video where I talk about the thumbs and much more…
The Importance of the Thumbs in Jin Shin Jyutsu
The thumbs are very important for the harmonious functioning of our whole being. The best part is that we naturally use the thumbs to do this. Babies and children instinctively suck their thumbs. This is a way for them to balance and harmonize their energy, particularly their digestive system, spleen, and stomach energy. As adults, we can do this by holding the thumbs.
Holding a thumb (or thumbs) is something we can do anytime, anywhere and it has so many beneficial effects:
- It calms the mind and thereby eases Worry and Anxiety: If you WORRY a lot, hold your thumb to help calm your mind. It’s especially useful if you have trouble sleeping due to overthinking.
- It helps with sleeplessness: Do you struggle with insomnia? Try holding your thumb before bedtime. One of my clients, a student stressed about exams, found that holding her thumb helped her mind go blank and she finally managed to get to sleep.
- It soothes digestive discomforts: If you experience discomfort in the stomach after eating, hold your thumb to help soothe your digestive system. It’s amazing how quickly the discomfort can clear just by holding the thumb. Tried and tested many times!
- It helps ground and nurture: Hold your thumb if you need to feel grounded, bringing you gently back into the present moment. It nurtures your entire being, providing a sense of calm and balance.
- It helps with fatigue: The thumbs in Jin Shin Jyutsu aid in releasing general daily fatigue. Holding them is a great way to clean the body after the tensions and stresses of every day.
How to hold your Thumbs
To get the most out of the experience, sit quietly in a comfortable seat. Close your eyes. Gently wrap one hand around either thumb, and hold the one that is most natural and comfortable for you. There’s no need to apply pressure – just hold and relax for as long as you like. The longer you hold, the more you are likely to feel.
Real-life experiences
I’ve seen firsthand how effective holding the thumbs in Jin Shin Jyutsu can be. One of my clients, an adult who still sucked her thumb, felt very self-conscious about it. I suggested she hold her thumb instead of sucking it, which provided the same nurturing feeling without the social discomfort.
Another client, a young woman overwhelmed by academic stress, found great relief in this practice. By holding her thumb, she was able to calm her worries and improve her sleep significantly.
The Thumbs as a meditation aid
For those who find meditation challenging due to an over active mind, holding your thumb can help ease you into a meditative state, I always say that it ‘brings the meditation to you’, rather than the other way round.
Jin Shin Jyutsu is accessible to everyone, regardless of age. It is a gentle yet powerful way to harmonize your energy and improve your well-being on all levels: physically, mentally, emotionally, digestively and spiritually.
If you are new to Jin Shin Jyutsu, you might like my Introductory Mini eCourse. It’s a collection of 13 self paced videos with notes, packed with practical Jin Shin Jyutsu information, exercises and stories. A great place to start on your journey of self discovery!