Wednesday wellness: fingerholds
Photo by Felipe Elioenay on Unsplash
Many, many, many (did I mention many?) years ago, I was visiting a family friend when I was first introduced to a form of Eastern Medicine tradion. I was still in high school when my friend moved to New Jersey. So, we hopped in my Chevy Nova and drove from Long Island to stay for a few days.
By the time we arrived, I had a full-blown migraine. This was long before migraines were taken seriously, let alone had medication specifically prescribed for them. When my friend’s mom saw me, she immediately asked if she could try acupressure on me.
After she explained what it was, I was quite hesitant. I was sixteen, never heard of acupressure, and found it a little odd that she wanted to “squeeze” different parts of my body. Especially my toes. How could my feet help my head? But, my friend and his mom finally convinced me to give a try. I was happily surprised that she was able to bring down the pain of my migraine to a more tolerable level, even if it didn’t completely get rid of my migraine.
When I was going through my healing journey from sexual abuse, I learned about Fingerholds. It’s another great addition to our recovery and healing toolkit. Especially because they can be done anywhere. The practice of fingerholds is a a simple technique that combines breathing and holding each finger. Practicing fingerholds can help to manage emotions and stress. It’s a useful practice for both adults and children, and you can use the technique for yourself and/or with another person.
It comes from the Eastern Medicine belief that we have a life energy that flows through channels from our internal organs all the way to our fingertips and you guessed it…our toes. According to Eastern Medicine belief, when we experience emotions that don't get a chance to move through or be integrated into our body, our energy can be slowed or even blocked. It’s believed that each finger is associated with a set of emotions, and using the fingerholds with a healing intention can help release energy that’s blocked and provide us with relief.
How It’s Done
Be sure to engage deep breathing while you’re doing your fingerholds
Wrap your hand (either left or right) around one finger at a time on the opposite hand.
Hold each finger for 2-5 minutes while you breathe in deeply and set your intention to calmness and relaxation.
Then breathe out slowly, letting go of stress and negativity.
In the practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu, there are 5 major “attitudes” that correspond with the fingers and thumb. These are the holds that address each emotion:
· Hold the thumb for worry
· Hold the index finger for anxiety or fear
· Hold the middle finger for anger
· Hold the ring finger for grief
· Hold the little finger for low self-esteem
We can use this practice when we’re feeling overwhelmed or when we’re placed in a challenging situation to help promote feelings of calm and security. You can also use this to relax or even help you fall asleep at night.
Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes,
Laura
