What are the benefits of Jin Shin Jyutsu?

Jin Shin Jyutsu helps your body to function better. This means you can enjoy:

improved energy
better sleep
decreased tension
decreased pain
improved general health
improved flexibility
greater inner peace and serenity

The benefits of Jin Shin Jyutsu encompass all of you – mind, body, spirit. We bring all of ourselves into our everyday life – and our energy reflects the things going on in our lives.

If you’d like to learn a bit more about how Jin Shin Jyutsu can help, get in touch.

You can also view some specific topics on the Energy Flows Youtube site.

You can also see what our clients are saying about Jin Shin Jyutsu – and how it has helped them in their lives. You can also learn a bit about how Jin Shin Jyutsu has transformed my health and my life.

Basically, if you’ve ever had an amazing massage, reiki session, or other complementary therapy – Jin Shin Jyutsu has many of the same benefits – and more.

Pain relief through Jin Shin Jyutsu – how to feel better

transformation, Balance, renewal

Chronic pain can make it seem like there’s no relief – no way out.

As time goes on, it can seem normal to be in pain. Often, a coping mechanism is to accept that this is how things are.

I’ve been there – months or years on end. I had chronic pain for so many months – even extending to years. Back in those days, it was very dark and I couldn’t really imagine what it would be like to be pain-free. Pain robbed me of clear thinking, the ability to get things done, and just about all of my energy.

Things can be different.

Things can be different though. In my own journey, my life has been transformed from the dark cloud of chronic pain into brighter days that are generally pain-free.

This story isn’t just mine. Patients in the Markey Cancer Center had clear decreases in pain and stress when they received Jin Shin Jyutsu acupressure sessions. Research reports are listed on the official Jin Shin Jyutsu organization website.

A client recently had a similar experience. When this lady came to me, she had so much pain in her arthritic hands. So much so that she was having difficulty holding things – even dropping a glass on the tile floor without realizing it. She takes good care of herself through diet, exercise, and medications. But she was still suffering, and she was looking for chronic pain relief. On the day of her session, she rated her pain as 7 out of 10.

We started the session. She relaxed and rested on the padded table. I gently helped her energy flow more freely. After her session, she was much more relaxed. And more importantly, when she flexed her hands, she realized that her pain had decreased to a 3 out of 10. All in one hour.

Jin Shin Jyutsu sessions for relief

I invite you to consider coming for a Jin Shin Jyutsu acupressure session. Whether it’s for chronic pain, stress, tension, or other health conditions. And many clients are already in good nick but would like a bit of a break and pampering.

Self care to feel better

In the meantime, you may find it helpful to do a bit of self-care. One hold that often helps people is to gently hold their ankle in this way. You can hold your right or left ankle to relieve pain anywhere in your body. This is one of many simple holds from Jin Shin Jyutsu acupressure.

Try this out and see how it works for you.

If you find this helpful and would like to experience more Jin Shin Jyutsu, get in touch with Jackie at 089-402-9667.

What It’s Like When You Come For Your First Session

Balance, transformation

Starting something new leaves us trying to chart new territory – looking for signs of how the journey will go. Maybe you’ve been on a similar journey before; maybe it’s the first time you’re experiencing anything like this.

Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been here before, you can always feel better quickly and easily. It’s a simple process to feeling better. No complicated positions, remembering postures, or talking through those things that have been bothering you.

I’d like to take you on a journey to well-being and like any journey, it has a beginning, time along the way, and allows you to see new vistas.

As you think about setting out on this journey, something has prompted you to be willing to reach out and explore your options. This prompt can include looking for something new, looking to leave something behind, or looking for a new way to do something.

You’ll have company on this health journey – I’m here to guide you. I had my own journey and well remember my first Jin Shin Jyutsu session.

As you’re considering starting out – remember there are always options. This post discussed what an in-person session is like. If this doesn’t fit for you, you might consider an online session – receiving help from the comfort of your own home.

Before a session – the first steps

Making that first call can sometimes be the hardest. Rest assured that this is a safe space and you will be treated with respect, kindness, and gentleness.

In talking through things, connections among things that have happened in your life can help reveal ways to improve your health. As a Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner, I’ve been trained to look for connections and to work with the causes that have manifested in your life and your body.

What happens in a session?

You enter the calm oasis and settle into your restful break. We chat a bit – this is your space and your time.

As you settle in and take a breath, you can ask questions.

You need only remove your shoes and watch for this treatment. Maybe there are other questions (link to F.A.Q. page) you have before you even come to experience your bit of Jin Shin Jyutsu bliss.

During the session – setting the scene

Your session will be tailored for your highest good – with a focus on harmony and well-being. This includes personalised combinations of acupressure and the little things that will help you fully relax. When your body is relaxed and resting, your parasympathetic nervous system can help improve your well-being.

During the session: the hands-on part

To begin the session, I listen to the messages from your body. From the first contact, gentle respect is first and foremost.

Jin Shin Jyutsu facilitates your body’s innate wisdom and knowledge of how to be well. Sometimes, though, things get in the way – like external trauma, internal worries, and daily wear and tear on the body.

Jin Shin Jyutsu helps ease pains, release tension, and change your energy so you can feel better.

As you relax, your body will release the tension – some people say it’s like melting into the table. Others have commented that it’s like having a bit more space to breathe.

The gentle touch on your shoulder, your knee, and your ankle all support your well-being in different ways. As you’re resting under a soft, fluffy blanket, you’ll feel the lightest of touches and help remind your body how to be well. Instead of rubbing or manipulating, Jin Shin Jyutsu is more a butterfly touch – the energy does the work.

Throughout the session, I encourage you to let me know if there’s any discomfort, any questions, or if you’re finding a certain position very helpful.

The session lasts about an hour. At the end of the session, you’ll hear a gentle bell ring three times. This is your signal that the hands-on part has finished. You’ll have a few moments to collect yourself and settle back into the room. This is your opportunity to check in with your body and yourself and see how you’re feeling – has anything changed? Were there things that surprised you? Is there anything that still is calling for your attention? It’s great to rest and ease back into things – after all, you’ve been doing lots of energy work.

Wrapping up your session

After your session, we chat again and, if you like, you can learn a self-care tip or two to extend the benefits of your session. These self-care tips are easy holds that you can do anywhere, anytime.

It’s useful to take some time for yourself after the session. Resting, drinking water, and being attuned to your body.

Follow-up from your session

Your body will continue to adjust to the increased freedom and free-flowing energy long after your dedicated session. As general good practise, I will follow up with you the day after your session. It’s always great to see how someone is getting on. It also gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

This journey to well-being continues into the following weeks and months. You’re likely to notice ongoing benefits from your session. And, like any journey, you’ll have memories of how great it was to go somewhere new. Of course, you can always visit the calm oasis of Jin Shin Jyutsu again.

Your Investment for a full Jin Shin Jyutsu appointment: 1 hour for 60 euros – discounts available for wellness bundles.

Click here to join Jackie for a bit of JSJ bliss.

What’s it like to receive an online JSJ session?

Balance

So grateful for remote Jin Shin Jyutsu

Everyone needs a bit of help sometimes – and self-care Jin Shin Jyutsu is wonderful – but this week I was looking for a bit more help.
I reached out to another practitioner for help this weekend – and was so grateful to receive a remote session early this morning.

It might look like I’m simply having a bit of a rest on the treatment table, but there’s so much more going on. Energy is being harmonized, body tissues are being revitalized, and internal harmony is being restored.

It was just like most sessions, but I had the benefit of being the one on the table this time. Here’s how it went.

Before the session

I contacted the practitioner (who lives in another country BTW) with my concerns and asked if they would be willing/available to do a session for me. Of course, she said – we set a time of 8 am here in Ireland.

She also asked me what my complaints were. I shared with her what I was looking for help with, and I gave details about the past few weeks. After that, I simply set an alarm to remind myself and went about the rest of my weekend.

This morning I got up as normal, walked the dog, and checked my messages. Nice morning but a bit overcast – no sunshine here in Ireland again.

About 10 minutes before the appointed time, I got a glass of water, and then I found a comfortable place to rest and relax. And I simply slipped off my shoes and lay down on my treatment table. For me, it made the most sense to rest on my treatment table. Of course, if I didn’t have this, I would just pick a comfy couch or chair, or maybe even my bed (it’s a remote session after all).

During the session

What is it like to receive a session?

At 8 am my only task was to relax – such a treat and blessing. As I lay there, I checked in with my body and noticed where it was tense. I remembered how much my body does for me all the time – and said a small thank you in my head.

I also did a bit of meditative breathing (whatever works before for you is what’s best in this situation). I remembered how we can receive Jin Shin Jyutsu no matter what kind of tension we have in our lives, no matter whether we have our makeup and hair done, and no matter if we’re exactly sure what’s bothering us.

As I relaxed on the table, I could sense the energy shifting. First in my left leg and then through the front of my body – it started out chaotic and quick and then shifted to a more regular, easy rhythm. It is true that we all have a perfect rhythm within us.

After a short while I felt calmer, less tense, and my mind wasn’t filled with all the things on my to-do list.

The great part was that I still had more time to experience Jin Shin Jyutsu bliss.

For the rest of the session, I simply lay there and found greater peace and serenity than I’d felt in the past week or so. I find that every session is different, but that I always find a bit more peace, harmony, and relief. As the time came to an end, I smiled, stretched, and slowly sat up on the treatment table. I felt renewed, restored, and rested.

After the session

I drank a large glass of water – as I was thirsty after all that energy work. I then thanked the practitioner for the session and said that I felt much better. Of course, this was all done over the phone – by text message this time.

She messaged back a bit about things she sensed during the session – amazing that her experience of the energy matched my experience – even though we’re thousands of kilometers apart and not seeing each other face to face. Even the little things like her asking if I had a bit of swelling in my ankles (I hadn’t mentioned that to her).

She gave me a few tips about what might help extend the benefits of the session. And then she offered to schedule another session. Yay – I’m so looking forward to it!

I know that I’m known for transforming stress to serenity – and it was brilliant that I was able to experience it in my own body again today.

If you’re interested in experiencing a bit of Jin Shin Jyutsu bliss – no matter where you call home – get in touch!

Migraine relief with JSJ: 3 simple tips to feel better

Self Help, Safety Energy Locks

Have you ever had a migraine that has stopped you in your tracks? Are you looking for relief from your migraine?

I remember a day when I was struck so hard that all I could do was sit in a quiet room, with the lights off, curled up under a soft blanket. Even moving slightly to have a drink of water was too much. It wasn’t the first time – and I wouldn’t wish that torture on anyone.

To help you, this post includes lots of information – if you’re interested in a particular part, simply click on the link to that section:

some basic information about migraines,
ways to help yourself with migraines,
3 simple holds to ease migraines,
ways to get more help,
a free download, and
a recorded talk.

If you’re looking for more general information about how Jin Shin Jyutsu can improve your health – click here.

How do migraines affect our lives?

Each person has their own experience with migraines. The specific symptoms are listed below, but first, there are some underlying common experiences. Most people who experience migraines share these factors:

migraines are recognised as a neurological disorder
we have the primary symptoms with the physical impacts
we also have secondary symptoms with our reactions

Our reactions to migraines go beyond those physical symptoms – we have changes in our lives and it affects our thoughts, actions, and connections in our lives. Many people feel they’re missing out on life. When hidden away in a darkened room – we’re not meeting a friend for a chat – or going to the park with our family – or even able to go to work.

It’s so tough – I get it.

Today I’m going to share with you 3 simple holds that may help with your migraine relief – they’ve helped me feel better. But first, a bit about migraines – who and how many? And information from the migraine experts about symptoms and coping techniques. I’m including some online resources at the end of the talk that you may find helpful.

Who’s affected by migraines?

The figures on who and how many people are affected vary. The basic detail is that many people have this condition. In fact, 1 in 7 people gets recurring migraines. And it’s more women than men, most common between the ages of 41 and 60 and they’re more common than tension headaches. Before I started researching migraines, I thought I was the only one – so not true.

What are symptoms of migraines?

The symptoms for migraine vary from person to person and often include pain, sensitivity and stiffness. Some of the commonly experienced things are pain – especially in the head, sensitivity to light, sounds, and touch. People often experience stiffness, especially in their neck. Any many people experience nausea. As Migraine Ireland states

More than Just a Headache
Migraine Ireland

What can I do to help myself get relief from migraines?

You may already have heard things that can help with your migraine. It’s estimated that people aren’t diagnosed for about 7 years from their first onset. These are common sense things that seem easy on paper – and can be more challenging when it comes down to it. If you are working with them, just do the best you can. You can keep track of your symptoms and episodes – this will help you identify possible triggers. When you can, get some light exercise and get a good night’s sleep. It can also help to reduce your stress levels.

Keep track
Identify triggers
Exercise
Sleep
Reduce stress

3 simple holds for migraine relief

Reducing stress levels is an area where simple holds can help. I’ll share with you a bit of the background in a moment, but let’s start with a simple hold first.

Option 1: Ease tension to help with migraines

holding your neck and forehead activates the energetic meridians and can help with migraine relief — Holding forehead and neck

For the first option, try holding your forehead with one hand and the middle of your neck with the other hand. You don’t need to press, massage or manipulate – just gently rest your hands, breathe and relax. If you’re doing this on your own, I’d recommend that you stay here for 3-5 minutes or whatever seems best to you – it might even be a bit easier if you’re lying down so that your arms don’t get tired.

If this isn’t comfortable, you could choose to hold your middle finger – again gently, easily and breathe and relax. While you’re holding your pose, I’ll share with you a small bit about why this may help you find relief from your migraine and other things.

How do these holds help the body?

Holding these places on your body works with the energetic meridians in your body – very much like acupuncture. There are many energetic pathways in your body and each has a specific function to help support you. In addition, there are specific places – 52 of them (26 on the left and 26 on the right) used in the acupressure Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu. It’s wonderful that simply by holding your finger or the right places on your body, your energy can flow more freely and your body can function better, and you can feel better.

You might want to check if you feel any different after a few moments of holding your finger or forehead. Often people feel more relaxed with less tension and pain. Sometimes can sense the energetic pulsation going through their body – and sometimes it’s less noticeable for them.

Option 2: release excess energy to help with migraines

SEL 15 - hold front of your hips - helps release excess energy and with migraine relief

The 2^nd option I’m sharing with you today is holding the front of your hips. Just gently rest your hands at the top of your thigh where it meets your hip. This helps the energy to move away from your head and to descend the front of your body. Again, you can hold this for as long as you like, and you can opt to hold your little finger if that’s more comfortable.

Option 3: break down blocks to help with migraine relief

SEL 16 hold outside of ankle on bone - one way to relief pain and migraines.

The 3^rd option you have is a bit different. You can reach down and hold the outside of your ankles. This specific place on your body is known as safety energy lock 16 and it helps transform things, bridge us into activity, and to break down any accumulations. If this isn’t comfortable for you, you can simply hold your thumb. There are relationships between each part of our hands with different parts of our bodies and different energetic pathways. Again, on your own time, you may want to hold it for longer.

All of these options can help your energy to flow more freely, your body to function better, and you can feel better. I won’t go into the specific relationships today or the many other holds and options that Jin Shin Jyutsu offers. If you’d like to know more, get in touch.

Feeling better and getting migraine relief

The main focus I have when working with clients is to help them feel better – and to be able to get back to doing the things they love in their lives. Whether it’s going for a good chat or doing other things – it’s your life and you deserve to enjoy it.

How can I get more help?

I hope you’ve enjoyed your sprinkling of Jin Shin Jyutsu – if this resonates with you – I’d like you to know that there is hope – there is help. If you’d like to explore this a bit more I offer in-person sessions as well as online sessions. It gives more options and flexibility depending on your personal circumstances.

Free information links

Here’s an added help – a list with links of useful resources –

Migraine Ireland – Ireland’s only patient charity providing support, education, information and reassurance to people suffering from migraine and other headache disorders. We provide free educational courses on self management and understanding migraine for people with migraine, and certified health professional courses for GPs and other HCPs.
European Migraine & Headache Alliance is a non-profit umbrella organization, that includes over 33 patient associations for Migraine, Cluster Headache, Trigeminal Neuralgia and other headache diseases, across Europe.
The Migraine Trust in the UK is dedicated to helping people affected by migraine. We are the only UK migraine charity providing information and support, campaigning for awareness and change, and funding and promoting research.
Migraine.com an online platform that empowers patients and caregivers to take control of migraine disease with opportunities to learn, educate, and connect with peers and healthcare professionals.
American Migraine Foundation is a non-profit foundation committed to making advancements in migraine disorders through research and ongoing studies.

I’ve only included those that are offering information and support rather than specific doctors or healthcare providers. This post just skims the surface – there’s lots more on these sites. If you have sources that you’ve found helpful, I’d love to hear about them.

To finish up, there are a few important points. The takeaways from today are that you can help yourself anytime, anywhere – simply by holding your fingers and safety energy locks.

Recorded online talk about migraine relief

And lastly, if you’d like to explore this more, you can reach me by phone or message or online through the contact page and on the Energy Flows Facebook and Instagram pages.

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New perspectives

renewal, stress, transformation

I hear so many people looking for inner peace. But at the same time, we often try to avoid dealing with any difficulties that are in our life.

I was inspired to think differently about this by Paige Bradley’s sculpture Expansion. It is a woman sitting lotus position where there are so many cracks in the body – and the light is beaming out from the inside – illuminating the area around. I interpreted this as needing to embrace our challenges, our cracks, our wounds. They are the magic that allow us to share our light with the world. These cracks are celebrated in the Japanese art of kintsugi – mending the broken and highlighting the joins with gold.

Embracing the cracks isn’t such an easy thing. But Jin Shin Jyutsu has eased the difficulty for me and for many of my clients. When we’re suffering with limitations (physically, mentally, or emotionally), we can ease the tension and the struggle. It helps shift the energy, helps release our stuckness, helps us to be more of who we are. This is part of the human condition – whether we’re here in Ireland, in the United States, or any other country in the world.

Paige Bradley is an amazing artist and an inspiring woman. She shared openly about seeking peace – and seeking healing. The following quote resonates with me – what will give you the strength to see the way forward?

It helped me to find some strength to see the way how to deal with and find peace when I felt broken inside.
Paige Bradley

Feeling broken, flawed, and searching for something more – seems to be a common experience. But healing ourselves isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. As we seek transformation, it’s often a convoluted path. Sometimes it takes many different tools to shift things. But what I’ve seen in my life and with my clients, finding what can transform our lives is very individual. Some people find their way with sculpture, some with poetry, some with writing, and others with complementary therapies.

My transformation journey came through Jin Shin Jyutsu. The gentle light touch that eased my tension, helped me be more grounded and present, and to heal from an autoimmune disorder.

My clients find the sessions relaxing, restorative, and transformative. Each has their own experience – as shown by their testimonials. I love how things are revealed for each person.

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