Ways to Cope: Ancient Japanese Hand Technique

There are many ways to cope with an array of emotions we go through on a daily basis. Exercising, hanging out with friends, listening to music, even relaxing in the sun this summer can help you cope.

During the summer months we are traveling and spending more time outdoors, which is wonderful, but can come with an overstimulated amount of emotions when we cram too much in one day. A great technique we can use on the go is an ancient Japanese hand technique that can take as little as five minutes to complete.

Each of the fingers in our hand represents a different kind of emotion or feeling:

• The Thumb helps fend off emotions like worry and anxiety.
• The Index finger helps you fight your fears.
• The Middle finger helps control feelings of rage and bitterness.
• The Ring finger aids in fighting melancholy and depression.
• The Pinky helps relieve stress and boosts your optimism and self-esteem.

How to Perform The Technique on Yourself

1. Start by taking one finger at a time, grasping it with the opposite hand and wrapping every finger around it.
2. Hold each finger for one to two minutes. Wait until you feel the pulse. This is when you know it’s working.
3. To aid in relaxation, apply slight pressure to the center of your palm with your opposite thumb and hold for at least one minute.
4. Practicing this technique each day can help balance your core self and can help you to deal with daily stress effectively.

To find out more about this technique research Ancient Japanese Hand Technique on YouTube or Google.

Anne K. Carlsen is a Provisional Clinical Social Worker (PCSW) in the Campbell County Medical Group Kid Clinic. The Kid Clinic is a school-based pediatric clinic offering medical care for Campbell County students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and their siblings’ ages 2 weeks and up; and counseling services for children 4 years to 21 years. It is located at 800 Butler Spaeth Rd., across from St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. The Kid Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8 am-5 pm. For more information, call 307-688-8700 or visit www.cchwyo.org/services/pediatrics/kid-clinic/. The Kid Clinic is a collaborative effort between Campbell County Health and Campbell County School District.