I feel both lucky and grateful for the privilege of having the Art of Jin Shin play such an important role in my life. It is the greatest gift, following my children, Mara and Tyler, who have been the recipients of my Jin Shin practice throughout their lives—you are my sunshine! Gratitude for my parents, Max and Betty; my brother, Richard; and my close family in the Netherlands, Thailand, Israel, and Switzerland. My friend and soul mate Marieke for her eternal patience and talent and for helping realize my dream in sharing Jin Shin with the world. Marian W. for holding my hand lovingly during my own heart healing journey. Donielle Morris for opening the door to live social media—more is more! Cobi Konadu for support in creating the JSI educational materials. The gifted Jin Shin practitioners Jules Rochon, Mitzi Adams, Lisa Klitses, and Patty Bayer Troup for keeping me in the flow. To all the clients over many years of practice—I learn every time I place my hands on you. The students who are so eager to learn, and by whose sides I continue the path of growth and understanding. The models: Cecile, Leza, Mara, Nakeema, Guillar, Tim, Michael, Alicia, Janel, Wella, Dora, Edith, Norbert, Teresa, Felix, Patty, Tyler, Enrique, Eloise, and Rex. My publisher at Tiller Press, Theresa DiMasi, who through her enthusiasm for Jin Shin brought this book to realization. Our amazing editor, Anja Schmidt, for her positivity and guidance. The team: Samantha Lubash, Sam Ford, Scottie Ellis, Ron Longe, Jaime Putorti, and Christine Masters. A pleasure to work with Savannah Ashour, who made this project fun and simple and lit up my story. Karen Duffy for the introduction to Simon & Schuster, and Cynthia Ryan for her persistence in getting this book published. My lifelong friends Inge, Marieke, Laura, Leslie, Merrill, Graciela, Anne—love you girls!
With deep gratitude to Jiro Murai, for devoting his life to researching and organizing this ancient art so that it could be practiced for generations to come. Gratitude for the awesome gift that Mary Burmeister brought to the West, when she developed Jin Shin Jyutsu and introduced it to the United States and beyond. Haruki Kato for showing me the Japanese way, and for sharing Jiro Murai’s method. Great appreciation and love to Pamela Markarian Smith, the founder of Jin Shin Institute; I am honored and humbled to be chosen to continue her legacy. Kyoko Seagusa, for being an essential part of my research team. Susan Brooks, for sharing her Jin Shin expertise during the final rounds of edits.
And the biggest acknowledgment of all to my teacher and mentor Philomena Dooley, who has guided and trained me since the beginning of my jumper cable years with love, patience, and commitment and who always has her door open to me—thank you!
Photographs on pages ii, vi, viii, xii, xviii, 8, 16, 22, 28, 40, 49, 50, 65, 72, 86, 89, 90, 91, 92, 118, 192, 196, 199, 200, and 218 by Marieke Feenstra.
Photographs of flow patterns by Curtis Eberhardt.
Illustrations by Elizaveta Limanova.
Edits by Susan M. Brooks, PhD, health educator.