Starting point: diaphragm
End point: tip of ring fingernail
Emotional attitude: all-inclusive
Traditionally used for: elbow tension, swelling in underarm, strong and fast heart pulsation, palms feverish, face red and flushed, prickling pain in heart, night-shift workers with circadian rhythm issues
2
Move right hand to left base of ribs (SEL 14), left hand remains on right elbow (SEL 19).
3
Right hand remains on left base of ribs (SEL 14), move left hand to left sit bone (SEL 25).
5
Close fingers of right hand into right palm, left hand remains on left sit bone (SEL 25).
6
Move right hand to left ring finger.
Starting point: ring fingernail
End point: center of lower eyelid
Emotional attitude: all-inclusive
Traditionally used for: ear ringing or sounds, throat swelling or numbness, night sweats; pain in cheeks, back of ears, shoulders, upper arms, outer elbows; joint pain or discomfort, ring finger stiffness, arthritic conditions
Place right hand on top of left shoulder (SEL 11), where it remains for the entire flow. Place left hand on right middle of neck (SEL 12).
2
Move left hand to right forehead (SEL 20).
3
Move left hand to left middle of neck (SEL 12).
Starting point: center of lower eyelid
End point: big toenail
Emotional attitude: anger
Traditionally used for: bitter taste in mouth, big sighs, moaning, pain on sides of body; pain or heat in outer side of leg, knee, ankle; joint pain, cold perspiration, pain in sides of head (migraine)
Place right hand on top of right eyebrow (SEL 20), left hand on left middle of neck (SEL 12), where it remains for the entire flow.
2
Move right hand to tailbone.
3
Move right hand to below right anklebone (SEL 16).
5
Move right hand to left base of ribs (SEL 14).
6
Move right hand to left bottom of collarbone (SEL 22).
Starting point: big toenail
End point: lung
Emotional attitude: anger
Traditionally used for: hip pain, dry throat, chest tightness, nausea, eye issues, bloating in abdomen, frequent bruises, difficulty swallowing
Place right hand on right bottom of collarbone (SEL 22), left hand on left base of head (SEL 4), where it remains until the last step.
2
Move right hand to base of right ribs (SEL 14).
3
Move right hand to inside of left knee (SEL 1).
5
Move right hand to left base of thumb (SEL 18).
6
Right hand remains on left base of thumb (SEL 18), move left hand to right base of head (SEL 4).
The energetic circulation pattern of the Organ Flows is designed to cover the entire body over the course of a single twenty-four-hour period, with each flow reaching its particular peak or ebb at its appointed time. During this peak or ebb, imbalances in the “ascending” or “descending” Organ Flow may be particularly apparent—feedback we can use for a quick and specific application of Jin Shin self-care. If you consistently find yourself waking up with a jolt at 3 a.m., that’s your liver energy talking back to you—you may need to cut back on your alcohol consumption and/or avoid triggers for anger. Practice an application of the Liver Flow, or hold the middle finger as a quick fix before you go to sleep.
Many of my clients have trouble falling asleep if they haven’t managed to do so by 11 p.m.—the time when the Gallblader Flow takes the lead and the Umbilicus Flow fades to a whisper. Many of them find it helpful to harmonize the Umbilicus Flow. Fatigue in the late afternoon, common for many of us, could be a sign of disharmony in the Bladder Flow. Giving yourself a Bladder Flow or holding the index finger will provide a self-care quick fix that can help sustain your energy through those low-energy hours.
Use the chart opposite to determine whether a symptom might be calling out for a particular Organ Flow. You can choose to do the full flow on both sides or to attend to the more congested side. (The flows in this chapter and throughout the book, with a few exceptions, are demonstrated on the left.) Or just use a shortcut—each of the finger holds described in chapter 4 helps a specific descending or ascending organ function, and they’re particularly helpful for a quick and targeted dose of Jin Shin. Note: You don’t necessarily need to harmonize an Organ Flow during its peak period; the flow may be harmonized at any time of the day.
Lung |
(4 a.m.–6 a.m.) |
(6 a.m.–8 a.m.) |
Large Intestine |
Stomach |
(8 a.m.–10 a.m.) |
(10 a.m.–12 p.m.) |
Spleen |
Heart |
(12 p.m.–2 p.m.) |
(2 p.m.–4 p.m.) |
Small Intestine |
Bladder |
(4 p.m.–6 p.m.) |
(6 p.m.–8 p.m.) |
Kidney |
Diaphragm |
(8 p.m.–10 p.m.) |
(10 p.m.–12 a.m.) |
Umbilicus |
Gallbladder |
(12 a.m.–2 a.m.) |
(2 a.m.–4 a.m.) |
Liver |
