Q: What is energy work?

A: Energy work is any technique that influences the body’s vital energy or chi. The Jin Shin Do® Acupressure that I practice is a blend of traditional Chinese acupressure theory, Japanese acupressure technique, Western psychology, and Taoist Yogic philosophy (Yogic breathing).

In Chinese medicine any illness or symptom, whether it be back pain, headache, indigestion, or depression is associated with an imbalance in a person’s energy. The body’s vital energy travels through specific pathways, or meridians, which lie under the skin. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of energy, physical and psychological symptoms, such as headaches, back pain, and depression occur.

	The idea of our bodies possessing a vital energy also exists in western medicine

The Jin Shin Do® therapist identifies and treats the imbalances by applying deep, yet gentle finger pressure to various acupoints that lie along these meridians, enabling the client to release physical and emotional tension. Thus, the natural balance of energy is restored and pain diminishes.

Q: To what kinds of problems is Jin Shin Do® best suited?

Jin Shin Do® is very effective for alleviating tension and stress, headaches, sinus pain, allergies, sleep disorders, back and shoulder pain, gastro-intestinal distress, and fatigue. It is helpful for any stress-induced problem. With any medical problem, the client is asked to consult a doctor.

Q: Some state that it may help free the client from bad habits and patterns. How does that work?

A: Jin Shin Do® is a body-mind therapy which facilitates the release of chronic tension and emotional stress promoting a deep state of relaxation. Many times the client is able to tap into their inner awareness and gain insight, which may result in personal change.

Q: How did you become interested in energy work?

More than twenty years ago I was having terrible back muscle spasms. They were so bad that I was having trouble sleeping in bed and was sleeping on the floor. My mother-in-law saw an ad in the paper for Shiatsu, which is another type of acupressure, and gave it to me. The sessions not only helped my back, but there was a profound improvement in the migraine headaches I had suffered from since childhood. Over time I began to feel so good physically and much more centered and balanced emotionally. Some time over the course of seven or eight years of having sessions I decided that this work was what I wanted to do.

Q: What can the client expect during one of your sessions? How does the receipt of energy work feel?

A: My sessions are either an hour or an hour and a half; the length of sessions varies with the severity of symptoms. In the first session I take a health history so an hour and a half is recommended, but not absolutely necessary. Acupressure treatment is directed toward relieving the cause of problems rather than merely suppressing symptoms, so I’m looking for the earliest physical problem. In Chinese Medicine if you treat the source of the problem, everything else improves. In my initial assessment I also take pulses and do point palpation to determine the areas of discomfort.

Clients remain fully clothed (except for shoes and any jewelry around wrists), so comfortable clothing is recommended. The client lies on her back on a massage table. When I begin treatment I hold two points at once and will ask the client to breathe deeply into any sensitive areas. During treatment the client may experience a tingling sensation in the hands or feet, gurgling in the stomach, a sense of warmth, and deep relaxation. As the muscles begin to release tension heat is given off and a sense of wellbeing is promoted. Acupressure is a pleasant experience for the most part, tense areas become relaxed as the practitioner holds the points.

Q: Some say acupressure is good for those who do not want to receive an actual massage. Could it still be used in conjunction with a massage?

A: Acupressure can most definitely be used with massage. As a matter of fact, many massage schools offer their students one or two acupressure courses. Engaging the body’s energy to break down muscle spasm helps bring greater circulation to the area and speeds the relaxation process.

Q: Is accupressure considered a religious practice?

A: No, not at all. Acupressure began between 5 to 7 thousand years ago in China and Japan and was the beginning of medicine in those countries. It was a method of healing used to restore and maintain health as well as to prevent illness. It was developed after much observation of man in his natural environment.

The idea of our bodies possessing a vital energy also exists in western medicine. In western medicine this energy is called the electromagnetic energy of the body and we measure it with electrocardiograms (ECG) or electroencephalograms (EEG). This electromagnetic energy is not just found in the heart or brain; anyone who has had an ECG will tell you that monitors are put on the chest and on both arms and legs.You may hear energy work described as balancing body, mind, and spirit. This vital energy or chi is what animates us and makes us alive. When we die it is the vital energy that leaves the body.

Q: It must take a lot out of you to administer on a consistent basis. How do you keep up your stamina?

A: I’m not using up my energy when I practice. The acupoints are areas of high conductivity on the meridians; by putting a certain amount of pressure at a certain angle the practitioner can contact the client’s energy and facilitate this energy in rising up and breaking through obstacles (i.e. muscle spasm). The practitioner need only stay balanced and centered.