If you’ve been alive for over 5 minutes, then you have likely heard of acupuncture, reflexology, and acupressure techniques. And while many would brush such tactics off as pseudoscience, they would be sadly mistaken to do so.
Studies, like the one I found in the National Library of Medicine that is titled “Not just a theory”: the relationship between Jin Shin Jyutsu® self-care training for nurses and stress, physical health, emotional health, and caring efficacy” have shown how effective this technique can be. According to the study I mentioned before,
“Analysis of data from the Personal and Organizational Quality Assessment-Revised by paired t-tests showed significant increases in positive outlook, gratitude, motivation, calmness, and communication effectiveness and significant decreases in anger, resentfulness, depression, stress symptoms, time pressure, and moral issues. Nurses reported fewer muscle aches, sleeplessness, and headaches. Analysis of the Coates Caring Efficacy Scale measures showed statistically significant increases in nurses’ caring efficacy in areas of serenity in giving care, tuning in to patients, relating to patients, providing culturally congruent care, individualization of patient care, ability to decrease stressful situations, planning for multiple needs, and creativity in care.”
“This small study suggests that Jin Shin Jyutsu self-care may be a valuable tool for nurses, to decrease stress, both emotional and physical, and increase caring efficacy. “
So, not only does science show that it’s a helpful tool, but they also encourage nurses to use it on their patients. Thankfully, though, you don’t have to be a nurse to master the art of Jin Shin Jyutsu or the technique that can provide instant relief to anxiety and emotional distress. Additionally, the technique has long been praised in Japan for providing sciatica relief, chronic neck and back pain.
Below, I have linked a video for you to watch that demonstrates the technique which involves lightly pulling or squeezing each finger to relieve fear, anxiety, sadness, worry, and sorrow. Each finger provides relief for a different ailment, and it’s pretty interesting how this works!
If you don’t believe me, watch the video and try it for yourself.