In a world where your patience drains faster than your phone battery, and stress is highlighted in your planner, learning how to regulate your emotions isn’t only helpful—it’s survival.
We’ve all been there: overwhelmed, exhausted, trying not to cry in a grocery store parking lot. Maybe you’ve tried deep breathing, yoga, or silently screaming into your steering wheel. What if I told you that your hands—yes, those humble multitaskers are built-in tools for emotional balancing?
May I introduce you to… (drum roll please…) The Japanese Finger Holding Technique (Japanese Acupressure)—a beautifully simple, centuries-old practice that helps calm your nervous system, release tension, and regulate emotions… all without needing a therapist, a yoga mat, or a subscription.
Your Hands: The Original Health & Wellness App
The Japanese Finger Holding Technique comes from Jin Shin Jyutsu, an ancient Japanese healing art. The concept is simple: each finger connects to an emotional category.
Here’s your quick-start guide to which emotions are managed where:
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Thumb – Worry, overthinking, anxiety. (Also known as “3 am brain.”)
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Index Finger – Fear, panic, insecurity. (Useful before big meetings or anytime you open your banking app.)
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Middle Finger – Anger, frustration, irritability. (Resist the urge to use this finger for other expressive gestures. Just hold it.)
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Ring Finger – Grief, sadness, disappointment. (Especially helpful after listening to the news.)
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Pinky Finger – Self-esteem, burnout, trying too hard, people-pleasing. (“I’m fine.” No, you’re not.)
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Palm/Center – Overall grounding and balance. (Think of it as the general wellness button.)
How To Do It (No Fancy Equipment Required)
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Sit down (or don’t—I’m not judging).
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Take a few deep breaths. Inhale like you’re smelling fresh cookies. Exhale like you’re blowing out birthday candles for your inner child.
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Gently wrap one hand around the finger of your choice.
Don’t squeeze. This is healing, not a handshake with a politician.
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Hold until you feel a pulse, or hold for 1–3 minutes (it’s OK if you can’t feel pulses, yet)
You can close your eyes, daydream, or silently whisper, “Please let me survive this day.”
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Release and move on to the next finger, or finish by pressing into the center of your palm for a full-body calm-down.
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Repeat steps 3-5 until all 10 fingers feel loved (if you want to)
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For high achievers, repeat steps 3-5 for each toe (yes, those lovely toes are meridian endpoints as well)
No complicated poses, no incense (unless you’re into that), and no need to remember your login password. Just you, your breath, and your fingers,
You can do this first thing in the morning, right before bed, or hiding in your car between errands. It’s discreet, calming, and you don’t even have to explain yourself to “Curious Georges.”
To read Lang’s impactful full article, click on this link and look for page 55. Get your FREE access to Empowering Humanity Magazine™ Now!