Jin Shin Jyutsu (pronounced Jit-su) is an ancient healing art that helps to balance the vital energy of the whole person- mind, body, and spirit. Loosely translated, it means “the art (or way) of the Creator through Man.”  Japanese scholar Jiro Murai revived it in the early 1900’s.  Murai studied the Kojiki (Ancient Record of Things) and devoted a lifetime to the study of Jin Shin Jyutsu (sometimes shortened to just Jin Shin.)  A Japanese- American apprentice of his, Mary Burmeister, brought Jin Shin to the U. S. in the 1960's.   Since then, she has shared her knowledge with instructors who now teach seminars worldwide, including Europe, the U.S. and South America. Self-help classes are also available.

Many describe Jin Shin as acupuncture without the needles, using the hands as "jumper cables". Based on the 12 organ flow concept, it utilizes 52 "Safety Energy Locks" or SEL's (similar to acupoints or trigger points), 26 on each side of the body. When one or more of these areas become blocked, the resulting stagnation can lead to fatigue, illness or disease. The practitioner places fingertips (over clothing) on SEL's in a sequence which cumulatively is known as a "flow".  Sessions typically begin and end with the practitioner listening to the pulses at the wrists, using information from the pulse to choose a flow. Sessions generally last about an hour. Clients are also taught simple self-help exercises they can do on their own.

Who can benefit from Jin Shin Jyutsu?  Everyone!  From sports injuries to chronic illnesses to those wanting to maintain their good health, Jin Shin is a valuable complement to conventional medicines and treatments. Personally it has helped with allergies, cold and flu symptoms, headaches, and recovering from a car accident. Since it is extremely relaxing, it helps reduce stress in the body and is beneficial for the parasympathetic system.  Cancer patients, those with arthritis, back pains, digestive problems, and much more have benefited from Jin Shin.  Pennie Sempell, a Jin Shin practitioner at the California Pacific Medical Center works with heart transplant patients pre- and post-operatively. She found that "Medical patients who seek out Jin Shin Jyutsu typically report feeling profoundly relaxed immediately after a session, with amelioration of the underlying complaint over successive sessions". It is a simple yet powerful way to harmonize the whole person- body, mind, and spirit.

Kima Garrison is a Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner working in the Portland area. For more information on Jin Shin, self-help classes, or practitioners in your area, you can call her at (503)239-7340. For information on upcoming seminars, call the main office at (480)998- 9331.