It’s all in the hands

What’s your answer when someone asks you what you do for a living? For many people, the
answer is simple—teacher, writer, doctor, welder, bus driver, physical therapist,
salesperson…people can relate to those answers. They’re easy to understand.

If you ask me what I do for a living, I have two choices. I can say, “I am a Jin Shin Jyutsu
practitioner,” and wait for complete confusion to wash over your face as you follow along while
I explain what that means.

But I prefer the second option. What do I do for a living, you ask? Well, I help people. More
specifically, I help people help themselves.

Maybe you know someone who is battling cancer, or someone with frequent migraines. Or
maybe you have arthritis or back problems. What about fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue
syndrome? Do you struggle with stress or anxiety? Have you ever just felt sick and tired of
feeling sick and tired?

The next question is usually “How do you help them?” That’s where things get interesting.
You see, your body is made up of energy (among other things, of course). That energy flows
through specific pathways. When those pathways are balanced (or harmonized), you feel great.
Stress, injury, and disease can block the flow of energy through the pathways. Restoring balance
is imperative to recovery. My job is to help you restore that balance.

Jin Shin Jyutsu is a gentle touch therapy that is thousands of years old. It works in conjunction
with Western medicine—so yes, you still need to see your doctor—but because there are no
needles or supplements, Jin Shin Jyutsu sessions will not interfere with medication or other
therapeutic treatments. The key is gentle touch; since there is no pressure to the touch, people
with arthritis or other chronic pain conditions tolerate it easily.

Jin Shin Jyutsu works by harmonizing the physical, mental, and emotional energy flowing
through those energy pathways. Certified practitioners attend several classes and seminars to
learn the relationship between the various levels of the body. They are taught to look for the
cause of the disharmony rather than just focusing on the symptoms.

Sessions are tailored specifically to each client. No two bodies are the same, so what works for
one person may not work for another. When you come in for a session, you’ll remain fully
clothed. You will either sit on a chair or lie down on a table.

First, I’ll touch your wrist to listen for which pathway is asking to be balanced. Then I will
choose specific flow patterns (gently touching various parts of your body) to re­balance those
energy pathways. At the end of the session, I will return to the wrist to re­evaluate the flow of
energy. After the session, you’ll probably feel calm and relaxed.

What makes Jin Shin Jyutsu really stand out from other complementary therapies is the self ­help
component. After each session, you will receive a personalized self ­help flow to work on
between sessions. Self­ help holds are designed to help with your day­ to ­day needs. They can be
performed any time of day and usually only takes a few minutes.

In the same way a diabetic needs to see a doctor and follow the proper diet and insulin regimen,
Jin Shin Jyutsu is a multi­step approach to wellness. Jin Shin Jyutsu sessions can be compared to
periodic visits to the doctor to calibrate progress and evaluate treatment. Self­ help routines can
be compared to checking insulin levels daily. For the disease (diabetes, in our example) to be
successfully managed, both parts play an integral role.

Self ­help workshops are another way to learn about the Jin Shin Jyutsu physio­philosophy and
gain a greater understanding of how the body’s energetic pathways affect all aspects of life.

These one-­day classes are offered a few times a year. They provide a sense of empowerment and
control over situations that can sometimes feel uncontrollable. For many people, being an active
participant in their treatment is paramount to success.

What do I do for a living, you ask? I help people. And I’ll be happy to help you live the vibrant,
healthy life you deserve.

Key Elements for Health is owned and operated by Gail Okray—a Jin Shin Jyutsu teacher,
author, and practitioner with more than 15 years of experience. Gail is a third­ generation student
of Master Jiro Murai, who recovered and first systematized Jin Shin Jyutsu in 1912. For more
information about Jin Shin Jyutsu or to schedule a session, visit www.keyelementswi.com or call
920.366.1896.

Gail has received personal Jin Shin Jyutsu sessions directly from Mary Burmeister, who
originally brought the art to America at the request of Master Murai, and she has studied under
all three of Mary's original senior instructors, including several trainings that have not been
offered since. Her training has taken her to California, Hawaii, Arizona, Colorado, Ohio,
Michigan, and Minnesota.

Gail is a prolific author and instructor on topics of Jin Shin Jyutsu. Her work appears locally in
Saving Green magazine. She has also written articles for Main Central—a quarterly magazine
published by Jin Shin Jyutsu Inc., the certifying body for all Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioners.