The Core Beauty Principle of This Hold

By sitting cross-legged and placing your hands on your calves, you create a closed energy circuit. In the philosophy of Jin Shin Jyutsu, this action helps guide energy to the upper body and head, significantly promoting blood circulation in the scalp and face. When fresh blood and oxygen flow more freely to the facial area, skin cells receive ample nourishment and carry out effective self-repair. This is the fundamental reason why this practice can improve skin texture and combat aging.

Four Key Benefits for Your Skin Through Consistent Practice

1. Revitalizes Complexion and Reduces Wrinkles
   Improved blood circulation helps remove metabolic waste from the deeper layers of the skin while delivering more nutrients. This effectively addresses issues like dullness and sallowness, allowing the skin to glow naturally. With consistent practice, it can help smooth fine lines and prevent new wrinkles from forming, acting as a natural and economical “anti-aging serum.”

2. Deep Relaxation for Inner-Outer Skin Nourishment
   Stress and anxiety can increase cortisol levels, accelerating collagen breakdown and leading to sagging skin and breakouts. This hold efficiently calms the nervous system, triggering the body’s relaxation response. Reducing stress at its source is akin to a deep “emotional detox” for your skin, resulting in a healthy, inner-generated radiance.

3. Balances Internal Systems to Improve “Problem Skin”
   The energies associated with the thumbs (linked to the stomach and spleen) and index fingers (linked to the kidneys and bladder) are harmonized in this posture. Traditional medicine suggests that many skin issues (such as adult acne and sensitivity) are related to internal organ imbalances. By balancing the body’s energy, it can indirectly improve skin conditions caused by weak spleen/stomach function or hormonal imbalances.

4. Lifts and Firms to Combat Sagging
   Good circulation leads to firmer and more elastic skin tissue. As you continue the practice, you may notice your facial contours becoming more defined and an improvement in skin laxity.

How to Practice Correctly?

1. Posture: Sit comfortably in a cross-legged position (easy pose is fine), with your spine naturally straight.

2. The Hold: Rest your hands gently on your respective calves, or place them cross-wise (right hand on left calf, left hand on right calf).

3. Breath: Close your eyes, relax your entire body, and engage in deep, long, and natural breathing.

4. Time: Aim for 15-30 minutes daily for best results.

The Key: Consistency is the only secret to seeing results. Incorporate it into your daily routine before bed or after waking up, and quietly observe the positive changes in your skin and overall well-being.

Want to Learn More? You Can Refer to These Resources:

• The International Jinenko Shiatsu Foundation (Jinenko.org): For the original philosophy and techniques.

• Jin Shin Jyutsu Inc. (JSJInc.net): To find books, practitioners, and workshop information.

• Chinese Books: Search for classic readings like “Jin Shin Jyutsu Self-Help,” to deeply study other beneficial holds.