While these exercises should never take the place of a doctor’s opinion, they are an easy and painless alternative to those over-the-counter pain medicines we’re so used to taking. According to the ancient art of reflexology, each finger can be linked to different organs and emotions. Our emotions are intertwined with the health and well-being of our mind and body.

The simple Jin Shin Jyutsu techniques can be performed anywhere. You can work on one specific area, or engage in whole-body balance by working through all of the fingers on both hands. Here are some simple finger exercises that can relieve your symptoms. 

How to do simple hand exercises

Find the finger correlating to the organ you’d like to heal, or emotion you want to calm, and hold it. Hold it for 3 – 5 minutes while breathing deeply.

Thumb: Stomach, anxiety and headaches

As an anchor for the hand, the thumb carries the weight of all decisions. It is most commonly linked to the emotions of depression and anxiety. It is also linked to the spleen and the stomach.

If you have been feeling down and worried lately, or have been experiencing more headaches and bouts of nervousness, try holding the thumb, and gently apply pressure to it. Make sure not to squeeze too hard.

Do this for three to five minutes, or until you have cleared your mind.

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Index finger: Kidney, frustration and muscle aches

Second in line is the index finger, which has been linked to the states of fear and confusion, as well as the kidney. Among the reviewed reflexology studies, many kidney dialysis patients have been reported to see improvement with these massages.

Patients who had issues with muscle and back aches or discomfort in their arms and legs have also reported feeling better. 

Middle finger: Liver, anger, and fatigue

Reflexology exercises are also widely known to reduce areas of pain and inflammation. If you’ve been feeling more fatigued than usual lately, or if you’ve been experiencing issues with blood circulation, try applying pressure to your middle finger.

This finger is mainly linked to the emotions of anger and irritability. According to the Jin Shin Jyutsu philosophy, it also helps with problems of the liver.

Exercises like this also create a notable relaxation effect. After practicing these exercises, patients saw a decrease in their blood pressure and anxiety levels.

Ring finger: Lungs, negativity and digestive problems

If you’ve been having doubts about yourself, or if you’ve been feeling negative or have a sad energy all around, try focusing on the ring finger.

Applying pressure here may also help with digestive and breathing issues. Overall, reflexology exercises like this one were shown to help reduce discomfort found in the large intestine and lungs.

When doing these exercises, remember to always stay calm and to control your breathing!

Pinky: Heart, nervousness and stress

Most commonly, the little finger is linked to a state of low self-esteem. You may be someone who’s constantly overthinking situations, or judging something a bit too hard.

As you do this exercise, try to let go of the checklist of things that are letting you down, clear your mind and be in the present.

This exercise is great if you are suffering from body pains and aches or nerve problems.

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The palm: All organs, nourish everything

The palms of the hand are also extremely important. You can either hold the center of the palm and do three complete breaths, or press the palm in a rotating manner.

It is said that you can hold yourself in the palm of your hands — the same goes for your most vital organs and the most basic of all your senses and emotions.

While everyone may have different reactions to these exercises, according to the University of Minnesota, regular reflexology exercises can help with nausea, diarrhea and constipation. The next time you feel unwell, you can try these exercises.  You may get through your day feeling happier and healthier. (asw)