Origin of Jin Shin Jyutsu

Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient art of harmonising the life energy within the body. Rooted in the understanding that we each possess an innate ability to restore balance, this gentle yet powerful practice supports emotional wellbeing, relieves physical pain, and helps address the root causes of both acute and chronic conditions. It can be safely used alongside all forms of therapy or medication, and its simplicity means it can be practiced anywhere, at any time.

The name Jin Shin Jyutsu translates as “The Art of the Creator through the person of compassion and awareness.” This “physio-philosophy” reminds us that healing and balance are natural states we can return to—through conscious touch, breath, and presence.

Ancient Roots

The origins of Jin Shin Jyutsu date back more than 5,000 years, when this knowledge was part of an ancient wisdom tradition in Japan. Over the centuries, this healing art faded into obscurity, becoming almost entirely lost to time.

Rediscovery in the 20th Century

In the early 1900s, a Japanese sage named Jiro Murai rediscovered Jin Shin Jyutsu during a personal health crisis. Committed to healing himself, he entered a period of deep fasting, meditation, and self-study. During this transformative time, he began experimenting with ancient healing techniques and developed what we now know as Jin Shin Jyutsu.

Following his recovery, Murai dedicated his life to studying, refining, and teaching this art. He worked with thousands of people, bridging Eastern knowledge with modern understanding.

The Legacy of Mary Burmeister

One of Murai’s key students was Mary Burmeister, a Japanese-American woman who studied directly under him. In 1954, Mary brought Jin Shin Jyutsu to the United States, quietly sharing the teachings with others. Her work laid the foundation for what would become a global movement.

Mary’s teachings, books, and self-help classes have empowered countless people to integrate Jin Shin Jyutsu into daily life. Alongside her, two other key figures—her father and Japanese doctor Haruki Kato—also helped preserve and pass on this sacred art.

A Global Practice

Today, Jin Shin Jyutsu is practiced around the world. Thousands of people engage in its gentle techniques through daily self-help, as well as one-on-one sessions. Whether applied for stress relief, emotional harmony, or physical healing, the practice continues to resonate with those seeking a deeper connection to themselves and their natural capacity for wellness.