Kids just get it.

My practice has always included people of all ages, including children. I love working with kids because they just seem to naturally understand that Jin Shin Jyutsu can help them. I think this may be because young children don’t come with preconceived ideas of what healthcare looks like. Once I describe what we’re going to do and exactly where I will place my hands, they settle in with Mom or Dad right there with them. A cozy blanket and soft music help too.

I’ve noticed that many children come for treatment because “My stomach hurts”. If they’ve come for some other reason, the tummy ache often seems to come up. It’s a common complaint that I’ve found to be associated more with childhood worry than too much candy. It’s not unusual during a treatment to have that stomachache disappear.

With Jin Shin Jyutsu, it’s not necessary to get to the root of the worry. Lots of kids don’t want to talk about their feelings, especially with someone new. I love to teach them something they can use to help themselves before they leave - - holding their own thumb. Simple.

While we practice holding thumbs, I can visually see kids start to feel more relaxed and comfortable. I share with them how they can use this hold anytime they feel worried, even with their friends nearby. No one knows what they’re doing! I also let them know that lots of kids worry about lots of different things. They’re not alone. Holding the thumb becomes a tool in their toolkit of life.

With each visit, I share more about the other fingers. They have four more tools at their disposal to help with feelings of fear, anger, sadness, and trying too hard. I even give coloring pages to take home to color and share with their siblings.

I wish I’d known about Jin Shin Jyutsu when I was a young mother. I’d have taught my children early on to use their own hands to help themselves. I definitely would have used it for me too!