There are times when some of
the best remedies can be found in techniques used in the ancient past,
and this two-breath finger technique is one of them. Referred to as the
ancient art of Jin Shin Jyutsu, this technique enables you to harmonize
your emotions and nourish your body by holding each of your fingers in
sequence. It's a subtle, yet powerful self-help approach that you can
practice at any time, no matter where you are. |
A little history |
A Japanese healer and
philosopher, Master Jiro Murai, rediscovered this ancient healing
practice in the 20th century. He had been led to the Jin Shin Jyutsu
healing technique in response to his own health problems, which had been
developed from his youth. At the time, he was overindulgent and
frequently entered (and won) contests that involved consuming large
amounts of food and drink. At 26 he fell seriously ill and doctors
diagnosed his condition as incurable and terminal. Residing in his family's mountain cabin he asked that he be left alone. Passing in and out of consciousness he had visions of masters using hand mudras, which he then began to practice on himself. Having done so for seven days, on his last day he underwent an intense healing experience and from that point on he vowed to devote his life to discovering the connection between the hand mudras and his dramatic recovery. In his quest to discover more, Murai looked for clues in holy and ancient texts. His search led him to the ancient records of the Kojiki which he recovered from the Archives of the Imperial Palace. It was these writings that provided information on the origins, philosophy and techniques of Jin Shin Jyutsu. |
The technique and benefits of finger mudras |
Whilst practicing these
techniques, keep your hands, arms and shoulders as relaxed as possible.
Practice each hand gesture in sequence holding each one for two, slow,
relaxed breaths, proceeding to the next position. Once you have
completed the eighth sequence, remain in a relaxed meditative state for
10 breaths. |
1. Exhaling the burdens and blockages |
As illustrated in the diagram,
place your right palm facing upward, fingers spread. With your left
hand, place your thumb on your middle finger, wrapping the rest of your
fingers. Repeat this technique with the opposite hand. |
Use: This
healing gesture may be used when you have the inability to see well. It
is also a great technique to practice when you are feeling frustrated,
tired all the time or find it difficult to make decisions. |
2. Inhaling abundance |
|
Keep your right hand palm
facing down, fingers spread. Place your left thumb finger over your
middle finger as illustrated in the diagram, and gently wrap the rest of
your fingers. Repeat, this time on your left hand. |
Use: This
technique is especially helpful when you find it difficult to inhale
deeply. It may also be practiced when you have difficulty hearing, when
your eyes or your feet are bothering you, or when you are not as alert
as usual. |
3. Calming and revitalizing |
|
Keeping your right palm facing
up, draw your ring and little finger close together, placing your left
thumb across the two fingers, gently wrapping your other four fingers
around. Repeat on the left side. |
Use: This is
the perfect mudra for nervousness, or any worries to do with the heart.
It is also an ideal hand gesture for people who tend to adopt a 'trying
to' approach, or for individuals who suffer from depression. |
4. Releasing general, daily fatigue |
|
Place your right palm face
down, drawing your thumb, index and middle finger close together. Place
the thumb of your left hand over the three fingers, wrapping the rest of
your fingers around. |
Use: If you
are the type of person who feels tired all the time then this mudra is
for you. It is a great healing technique for individuals who feel
insecure about their finances, work, relationships etc, and is just the
thing to practice for anyone who begins to feel or look old. If you get
irritated and angry over nothing, this is the mudra for you and it
should also be applied by people who tend to worry a lot. |
5. Total revitalization |
|
With your left hand make a
circle with your middle finger and thumb (the palm side of the thumb
should cover the nail of the middle finger, as illustrated in the
diagram). Place your right thumb between the fingernail of your middle
finger and thumb of your left hand. |
Use: Whenever you have an uneasy feeling. It is also beneficial for anyone suffering from complexion problems, may be temperamental or has an uncontrollable craving for sweets. |
6. Breathing easy |
|
You may practice this mudra with both hands at the same time. Just cover your ring fingernails with the palm side of your thumb. |
Use: This is
the mudra to practice for anyone with bad skin conditions, or anybody
who feels rejected and unloved and may tear up easily. It is also
beneficial for anyone who's ears are bothering them. |
7. Exhaling dirt, dust and grease |
|
Interlock your fingers, extending your middle fingers on both the left and right hand. Both fingers should be touching. |
Use: Practice this finger technique to harmonize the total mind/body. |
8. Inhaling the purified breath of life |
|
With both hands, simply touch the middle fingernails of both your left and right hand. |
Use: This hand gesture is also used to harmonize the total mind/body. |
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If you liked this article and want to discover more, learn more hand mudras and their uses click here. |
h/t: balanceflow.com |