What is Jin Shin Do?®
"The Way of the Compassionate Spirit" is the guiding energy behind this complete system of acupressure. Developed by psychotherapist Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, Jin Shin Do® (JSD) is a unique synthesis of ancient and modern techniques which balance the "natural" flow of energy in the body/mind. Jin Shin Do® also helps bring us into harmony with the laws of nature: "The Way" (Tao) of the cosmos. Jin Shin Do® is a gentle yet powerful art that deepens the awareness of both recipient and practitioner. It reawakens the incredible healing powers of the body/mind/spirit through the synthesis of many wisdoms:
- The ancient Japanese technique of direct finger pressure on key (also, "Qi") points in the body
- The Taoist philosophy of complementary opposites and their constant interplay (yin/yang)
- Modern insights correlating emotional and attitudinal states with body "armoring" or tension
- The 5,000 year old theory of energy flows in the body, as described by classical acupuncture theory
- The "magic" of the compassionate spirit which is alive in all of us.
Jin Shin Do® relates chronic tension or "armoring" to blockages along the energy pathways or meridians. A firm but gentle finger pressure on selected acupoints in areas of tension is to be used to draw attention and to release muscular holding patterns, allowing the smooth, harmonious, balanced flow of energy through the bodymind. This can put one in touch with a deep sense of harmony, relaxation, and awareness, which can relieve physical tension and pain and help stimulate creative and self-healing energies. In its most basic form, it is a simple, easy to learn, valuable self-help tool that can be shared with family and friends. In the hands of a skilled and sensitive practitioner, it can be a powerful, profoundly effective, transformative tool, which is easily incorporated into other therapeutic methods.
How was JSD developed?
The founder, Iona Teeguarden, spent years researching and learning point location and meridian theory with various acupuncture and acupressure teachers. As her research progressed, Ms. Teeguarden noticed the similarity between the concept of somato-emotional tension patterns described by Wilhelm Reich, a German psychotherapist, and the Eastern/Taoist approach to the psyche. She and her ex-husband, Ron Teeguarden, were also practicing internal (visualization and breathing) and external (physical exercise) methods of Taoist Yoga (now called "Qi Gong") taught by a Korean Taoist yoga master, Sung Jin Park. His view of the Strange Flows and internal energy centers was also very important to the foundational theory of Jin Shin Do®. Master Park suggested a trip to Japan to study with other teachers of Asian disciplines and to do original research into acupuncture/acupressure theory.
Through this research, study with various teachers, and spiritual guidance, Ms. Teeguarden compiled the original 30 points and release patterns taught in Basic Jin Shin Do®. Her first book, The Acupressure Way of Health: Jin Shin Do®, was published by Japan Publications in 1978.
After reading the book, many people around the world began applying the techniques of Jin Shin Do® for themselves and for clients. Classes were taught originally at the Acupressure Workshop in Los Angeles, and, as the training developed, The Jin Shin Do® Foundation for Bodymind Acupressure™ was formed in 1982 to maintain the integrity of this unique synthesis of East and West. The foundation trains teachers and practitioners (please see About JSD Teachers and Practitioners), who are authorized to use the trademark. It also maintains a directory available to the public. (See Contact Information.) At the present time, there are registered Jin Shin Do® practitioners and teachers in 33 states, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, England, Norway, Sweden, Japan, Brazil, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Austria, Italy, and France.
Since the publication of her first book, Ms. Teeguarden has developed the "Emotional Kaleidoscope," a particularly effective depiction of the interaction of emotions correlated with the Five Element theory of acupuncture. Her second book, The Joy of Feeling: Bodymind Acupressure™, published in 1987, describes these "Five Lands" of the emotions and explores them through descriptions of actual therapeutic sessions with clients.
In 1996, Ms. Teeguarden produced a third book, A Complete Guide to Acupressure, (Revised edition, 2002) written with senior Jin Shin Do® teachers. A Complete Guide outlines key theories, such as Qi, meridians, segments, Strange Flows, and Five Elements. It also includes several chapters on applications, including 60 release examples for common problems.
How is JSD different from Acupuncture, Shiatsu, or Jin Shin Jyutsu?
Like acupuncture and most forms of Shiatsu, Jin Shin Do® is based on the Taoist acupuncture theory of energy flows and acupoints. All these techniques are powerful and effective healing modalities. Jin Shin Do® is different, first, because most other methods teach primarily the 12 organ meridian pathways, sometimes incorporating the Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel. Jin Shin Do® initially teaches the "Strange Flows" or "Extraordinary Vessels" because of their function of balancing all of the energy flows, including meridians; meridian theory is taught in Intermediate Jin Shin Do®. Second, acupuncture uses needles to stimulate the points; Shiatsu may use many body parts (elbows, knees, feet, etc.). Jin Shin Jyutsu uses mainly the palm of the hand and has its own system of energy flows, which are similar to but not identical with acupuncture meridians. Jin Shin Do® uses mainly simple, gentle but firm finger pressure. Third, Jin Shin Do® focuses more than most of the other methods on the awareness of the recipient, using verbal bodymind awareness techniques so that the client participates in the release process through breathing, focusing, and visualization. This enhances the release process and engages cognitive resources which can facilitate lasting change.
What is JSD good for?
The primary goal of Jin Shin Do® is the recipient's awareness of the movement of Qi along with the tension and chronic holding patterns, both emotional and physical, in the body structure that block it. The flow of Qi, or life force, promotes healing in affected areas and a whole-body sense of physical ease and harmony. It has been used to relieve common conditions, including neck, shoulder and back tension/pain, joint problems, fatigue, headaches, digestive difficulties, chest and respiratory difficulties, insomnia, menstrual/menopausal difficulties, pelvic tension, and muscular and emotional stress and tension
Who can receive it?
Jin Shin Do® is a safe, comfortable method which has been used in many settings, with many special populations, including animals. Practitioners have worked in special programs in schools, hospitals, birthing centers, senior centers, hospices, as well as homes and stables. Several practitioners specialize in animal acupressure for horses, cats, dogs, and other animals. Because the method uses only finger pressure and no rubbing, it has few contraindications. The Acupressurist does not touch a contagious skin disease or open sore; does not press on bruises or varicosities in areas where phlebitis occurs; and does not touch injuries which are too painful, although one can still work around the pain to help ease it. Some points are contraindicated for pregnancy, although the same points are excellent for labor and delivery. Because of its inherent non-invasiveness, Jin Shin Do® can be safely used with surgical, cancer, or AIDS patients and can provide comforting touch where other types of bodywork are contraindicated.
What happens in a JSD session?
The Acupressurist will usually begin the session by welcoming the client into a safe and comfortable environment. The work is done with the client clothed, lying face up on a cushioned massage table. The Acupressurist will assess the condition of the client by asking about his or her objective for the session and relevant medical history, taking the energy pulses, palpating acupoints, and asking questions to further identify what areas are asking for attention. Most of the time the session will begin with work in the neck and shoulders--often the formal Jin Shin Do® Neck Release--which helps to relax the client and to open the channels of awareness and communication. The work is done with gentle, firm finger pressure on the acupoints. One hand holds a point in an area of tension or blockage--the "local point"--while the other hand holds a point which assists in its release--the "distal point." As the Acupressurist uses further acupoint combinations to work with energy pathways and muscles, s/he may gently engage the client in an awareness of the shifting condition of the points and areas and may suggest breathing and/or focused attention on a particular point or area. As the client focuses on the body, sensations, messages, or images may arise which s/he may choose to explore with the help of the Acupressurist. At some point, the client may fall into a refreshing state of near-sleep as the release process proceeds. The session usually ends with another Neck and Shoulder Release, some points along the central channel in the midline for centering, and some form of foot massage for grounding. Clients usually feel more relaxed and perhaps even energized after a session, or profoundly aware of what they need to enhance the balance. This could be such things as rest, water, time off, or better food. There is often the relief and joy of "coming home" to one's true nature nature and condition.
Who can do JSD?
Anyone who can use their hands to apply firm yet gentle touch can do Jin Shin Do®. One may also use any of the many acu-release tools, including two tennis balls in a sock. Some people practice primarily on themselves and their families. Some people go on to practice professionally or to include the work in what they are already doing. Practically anyone can use the work at the level taught in introductory workshops to improve their own well-being, reduce stress and tension, and "get in touch." Some take more advanced courses because they are drawn to deeper study of the philosophy and/or physical/emotional/spiritual applications. Professionals, including massage therapists, nurses, chiropractors, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, doctors, and ministers, find the uncomplicated technique of Jin Shin Do® uniquely easy to blend with their primary modalities. And some people pursue Jin Shin Do® as their primary professional modality by completing the Acupressurist and/or Teacher Training Programs.
How can I learn JSD?
You can begin by reading any of the books mentioned in the Resources section. Of course, location of points is most effective when taught in a class or workshop by someone with experience. Authorized Teachers are listed in the Jin Shin Do® Acupressurists and Teachers page of this web site. Additional teachers are listed in the Jin Shin Do® Foundation's web site (see Resources). The student in an introductory Jin Shin Do® class embarks on an intriguing exploration of Qi by applying gentle pressure to acupoint combinations mapped out on a chart. As stress and tension melt away with the release of the points, the student has a direct experience of the flow of Qi, or life force. Modern western psychological theory describes body holding patterns, or "emotional armoring," which can impede the flow of Qi and cause tension and pain. Classes teach the theories of the points and pathways and how to use simple finger pressure and breathing and visualization to release the blocks and enhance the flow of Qi. From the first class, students learn simple yet powerful ways to get back in touch with themselves and the flow of life.
How are JSD Acupressurists and Teachers trained?
As one of many requirements, students participate in 250 hours of course work taught by an Authorized Teacher. They first learn techniques and powerful acupoints by following release examples. As the courses progress, they learn to create customized sessions based on assessment of the recipient's tension and energy patterns in relation to the physical, emotional and spiritual associations of the Eight Strange Flows (balancing channels), Armoring Segments, 12 meridians, Zang and Fu (organ functions), Five Elements, Endogenous and Exogenous Causes of Imbalance, Tendino-Muscular Meridians, etc. They also learn verbal techniques to facilitate breathing and body awareness. To apply to be a Registered Jin Shin Do® Acupressurist, one must also log 125 experience hours, receive 10 sessions with a registered Acupressurist , pass a practical exam, and be in compliance with local licensing requirements for bodywork.
The Requirements for Authorized Jin Shin Do® Teachers are described in the Learning section of this site.
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and last updated on 6/13/07.
Tao Te Ching quotations from Stephen Mitchell translation
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