Jin Shin Jyutsu for pain in the hands
In today’s world, many occupations can quietly become a health hazard for our hands creating pain and strain. So in this post I share some tried and tested Jin Shin Jyutsu self help exercises to ease (and prevent!) these repetitive strain injuries (RSI).
Whether you’re a hairdresser, chef, secretary, massage therapist, IT professional, carer, or pianist, chances are your daily work involves repetitive movements that put a strain on your fingers, hands, wrists and arms.
Over time, these small repetitive actions can result in shooting pains, numbness, or “pins and needles” sensations. These often can become unbearable, especially at night. The good news is, there are gentle, effective ways to bring relief and even prevent these issues from building up in the first place.
Watch the video to practice along
Aromatherapy oil blends can help too
When I used to do a lot of massage work my hands would act up every so often. I discovered that a blend of Aloe Vera gel and Lavender essential oil was very soothing for my hands, easing inflammation and discomfort.
Mix 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel and 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia). Gently massage the blend into your hands, wrists, and forearms, working up to the elbows. If you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, do a patch test first. And if Aloe Vera doesn’t agree with your skin, Almond oil is a good alternative.
If you can purchase essential oils from a reputable source, then Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is also a really good helper as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
These two essential oils are safe for most people and offer both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (note: essential oils should be used in a blend and never ingested!)
Jin Shin Jyutsu for RSI: Keep the energy moving!
It’s important to keep the energy moving from the shoulder, along the arm all the way into the fingers. These easy Jin Shin Jyutsu self help exercises for RSI do exactly that. Practice them for a little while every day. You can do them sitting, lying or even standing while waiting for a bus or train, for instance!
For the left arm and hand
Position 1
Place right hand over left shoulder at S.E.L. 11 and
fold left fingers onto left base of thumb at S.E.L. 18
Relax the hands and hold for a couple of minutes, then
Positions 2-5
Keep the right hand over the left shoulder for the duration of the rest of the exercise and
place left thumb over left index finger nail.
Hold for a couple of minutes, then
place left thumb over left middle finger nail and
hold for a couple of minutes, then
place left thumb over left ring finger nail and
hold for a couple of minutes, then
place left thumb over left little finger nail and
hold for a couple minutes.
For the right arm and hand
To practice the exercise for the right arm and hand, just reverse the positions.
Left hand over right shoulder and
fold right fingers onto right base of thumb, then
place right thumb over right index finger nail, then middle finger nail, then ring, then little.
Our hands are incredible tools
Our hands are incredible tools: we use them to work, care, express, and create. When they hurt, it can impact every part of our day. That’s why taking a few minutes daily to practice Jin Shin Jyutsu self help can make a world of difference.
Whether you use this sequence to relieve symptoms or simply as a quiet daily ritual (because you can use it for that too!), I hope it brings you ease, comfort, and a deeper sense of connection with your body.
Want to practice Jin Shin Jyutsu regularly?
If you’d like to practice Jin Shin Jyutsu in a group of like-minded enthusiasts, I offer weekly online sessions where we gather from all over the world to support and restore ourselves through guided flows. For more info see Jin Shin Jyutsu Weekly Group Practice