JIN SHIN DO® AND JOINT PROBLEMS
Joint problems come from damage to a tissue in the joint itself and from the degeneration of this tissue.
According to Oriental Medicine, these problems arise when there is a stasis of vital energy (Qi) in the sector in question, rather than flowing harmoniously throughout the body.
All of this is caused by traumatic injuries, wear and tear from excessive use in professional sports and adverse weather conditions.
These adverse conditions are called “pernicious” by Oriental Medicine and in this specific case they are: “wind”, “cold” and “humid”.
Their influence is also called “wind, cold and damp syndrome”(Fong Chen Han Ping).
The “wind” manifests itself with functional difficulties, joint spasms and pain;
The “cold” manifests itself with blood circulation abnormalities, muscle contractions, cramps and acute pain;
The “wet” manifests itself with joint edema and dull pain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine identifies the kidneys as containers of reserve energy (Jing), which contributes to life; when there is a deficiency or imbalance of this energy, a deterioration of bones and joints occurs.
In this regard, the energy connected to the liver is also involved, which governs tendons and ligaments and the relative ability to move and contract the joints.
When energy gets stuck in the tendons and ligaments for a long time, the conditions are created for the development of joint problems.
As previously mentioned,the causes of blockages are both physical and psychological.
Among the latter, the one derived from the feeling of not being able to correctly manage the criticism received during childhood.
Even excessive self-criticism can lead the person to adopt an extremely perfectionist and intransigent attitude.
Childhood traumas can be related to distorted educational teachings on one’s acceptance by society, or on the externalization of one’s emotions.
If the traumas are not resolved in adulthood, by removing such teachings or old mental patterns, the conditions for a stasis of vital energy (Qi) at the joint level will continue to exist.
To improve joint problems, we should stop our excessive self-criticism and focus on small, easily achievable physical goals and then reward ourselves for achieving them, obtaining internal recognition through movement.
With this process we will evaluate joint problems as contrasts between external and internal events, making ourselves aware that by solving them, we will awaken the blocked vital energy.
These emotional attitudes will translate into psychosomatic aspects and will manifest themselves by stiffening and blocking the joints, resulting in inflammation and pain.
Such external and internal psycho-physical influences can have negative effects when people find themselves with repeated problems of imbalance of vital energy (Qi) and when the body is in a bad relationship with external influences.
A person with an energetic balance of the body-mind is more resistant to normal life changes and stress; health, or rather homeostasis, can be considered a consequence of dynamic sensitivity to changes in conditions.
To improve our condition it is first of all essential to actively stimulate the creation of reserve energy.
This is achieved by practicing correct breathing with the diaphragm, observing an adequate number of hours of deep rest and regularly practicing meditation.
Introducing a correct diet, limiting fatty and overly refined foods, excess salt and sugar is another important component; finally, it is useful to avoid overeating, which is a factor causing numerous joint problems.
Jin Shin Do® acupressure is a personalized practice for the client, which stimulates him to develop a profitable communication between body and mind, between conscious and unconscious, suitable for increasing his reserve energy.
Bibliography :
Teeguarden, Iona Marsaa, A complete Guide to Acupressure TM. Copyright 1996-Japan Publications,Inc.,Tokyo/New York
Teeguarden,Iona Marsaa,The Joy of Feeling:Bodymind Acupressure TM,Tokyo/New York,Japan Publications Inc.,1987.