Nashville Jin Shin Do®

BodyMind Acupressure®

Classes and Community

Welcome!

We are a community for the learning and practice of Jin Shin Do® (JSD).
If you want to learn, receive, or teach JSD, you are in the right place!

Why JSD?

Find a Practitioner

Become a Practitioner/Teacher

What is Jin Shin Do®

“Jin Shin Do” means “The Way of the Compassionate Spirit.” Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® classes teach the use of gentle yet deep finger pressure on specific acu-points and verbal Body Focusing techniques to help release “armoring” or chronic tension, balance the “Qi” or energy, and improve vitality.

“The Way of the Compassionate Spirit”

This clothes-on method helps relieve stress- and trauma-related problems. A unique synthesis of a traditional Japanese acupressure technique, classic Chinese acupuncture and acupressure theory, Taoist philosophy, Qigong (breathing and exercise techniques), Reichian segmental theory and principles of Ericksonian psychotherapy, it is recognized as a major form of Asian Bodywork Therapy (by NCCAOM & AOBTA® among others).

A unique synthesis of ancient and modern wisdom

Originated by psychotherapist Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, Jin Shin Do® acupressure promotes a pleasant trancelike state, in which one can relax and move out of the head and into the body, accessing feelings and inner wisdom. For more, visit the Jin Shin Do Foundation.

Founded by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden

Why Jin Shin Do® acupressure?

what can it do for…

…those of us that just, “can’t relax?”

Many of us have chronic tension built up over time - often referred to as “armoring.” Jin Shin Do helps us understand this as a bodymind response to people’s lived experiences and trauma, and that releasing it can be challenging. This modality is designed to help create the physical, energetic, and relational safety that many of us need to “just relax!”

…nervous system regulation?

A Jin Shin Do session can offer a deep rest and reset for the nervous system. Many clients call it the “missing piece,” after years of therapy, that helps their mind and body reconnect.

…those of us seeking more energy and joy?

Many call healing a journey from ‘surviving to thriving’ - and most know there is no “end.” We can always find more joy, more depth in learning about ourselves and our paths. Jin Shin Do can help you connect with your inner wisdom and potential through the power and possibility of embodiment.

Receive a session

…healing arts practitioners?

The Jin Shin Do curriculum teaches specific acupressure techniques, as well as space-holding and communication skills to facilitate the release of chronic tension built up over time. Practitioners of JSD hold a “local point” in a tense area together with related “distal points” which help the local point release.

They also hold space for the somatic and emotional release that can follow, anchoring and grounding clients with touch and presence.

…your community?

Jin Shin Do offers an ancient theoretical framework and way of seeing the world, as well as touch techniques, that anyone can use for self-care, and with friends and family.

Learn Jin Shin Do

Looking for a Practitioner?

International Practitioner List

Local Community

What is a session like?

Jin Shin Do practitioners generally work with clients clothed, and use gentle yet deep finger pressure on specific acu-points, along with verbal Body Focusing techniques, to help release "armoring" or chronic tension, balance energy, and improve vitality.

Clients work with their practitioner to set an intention, and receive on a massage table, generally face up. While this is some of what to expect, your individual experience will be uniquely tailored to you!

Become a Registered

Jin Shin Do® Practitioner

Registered Practitioners are required to:

Complete Modules I, II, and III
Complete a practicum with their senior teacher
Receive 10 JSD sessions, 5 from JSD Practitioners and 5 from a JSD Teacher
Agree to the JSD Code of Conduct and Rules for advertising

Benefits include:
Right to advertise and use Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure®
Member of an international community of professionals for learning and practice
Promotional brochures and literature
Eligible for the Intensive Teacher Training Program to teach JSD classes

Details from the JSD Foundation

What are classes like?

The Jin Shin Do curriculum offers 4 modules, each building on the other to develop practitioner skills in point location, energy flows, communication, and acupressure theory.

View courses

Class calendar

All classes combine lecture, experiential learning, discussion, trading sessions, and demonstrations.

Module I covers the strange flows, bodymind communication skills, the 12 organ meridians, and 5 element theory and assessment points.

Module II helps students deepen, integrate and hone each of these skills, and there is greater emphasis on observing sessions and assessments in class.

Module III consists of documenting clinical experience hours

Module IV offers in-depth skills in bodymind trancework and trauma.

After becoming Practitioners, there is an Intensive Teacher Training Program for those who wish to teach JSD.

All classes are available in Nashville, TN with Steve Sommers LMT, LMFT, unless otherwise noted.

View the class calendar here and curriculum description here - or scroll down.

Module I

Part 1: Basic

Students are introduced to the 45 Basic Jin Shin Do points, the 8 Strange Flows, and segmental release theory.

Part 2: Intermediate

The 12 organ meridian pathways, physical and emotional associations, and source and luo points.

Part 3: Advanced

Assessment points and skills, 5 element theory, and sedation and tonification points.

Part 4: Bodymind Communication Skills

Students learn simple verbal skills for responsibly dealing with feelings & images that may arise during sessions, including active listening and body focusing.

Module II

Part 1: Integrating Key Theories (IKT)

Deepen study of the Strange Flows, expand and practice assessment skills, ability to integrate tools from module 1, and practice session-building skills.

Part 2: Master Class

Review and refine point location of the 125 main points used in JSD. Demonstrate ability to create sessions and treatment plans.

Part 3: Expanding Theoretical Horizons

Acupressure theory is only one arm of classical Chinese medicine; this class introduces aspects such as the 6 divisions, the 8 Principles, and the tendinomuscular meridian pathways. (eth not currently taught in Nashville; tendinomuscular classes are available)