Goal: The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ) in the cardiac setting including: acceptance by patients and staff, case of delivery, and any potential adverse outcomes.

Rationale: Jin Shin Jyutsu is a modality based on the meridian theory of Oriental Medicine. It uses gentle, direct pressure of the hands or fingers along meridians to promote health and well being. The philosophy behind "Jin Shin" is that it works by redistributing and unblocking energy by applying pressure to 26 specific "safety energy locks" along the acupuncture meridians. Holding these locks in combination balances the body and mind and facilitates a deep sense of relaxation. Because it is relaxing, noninvasive and without side effects, it is ideal for use in the cardiac setting.

Methods: After approval was granted to the Atlantic Mind Body Center to provide JSJ to patients on the Cardiac Stepdown Unit, the nursing staff on the Stepdown Unit was given an inservice on the nature and rationale of the study. They were asked to identify patients on a daily basis who may be appropriate for JSJ. During the study, certified JSJ practiioners reported to the unit on a rotating basis, and were directed to patients recovering from cardiac interventions, but who were not in serious condition. Jin Shin Jyutsu was introduced by the practioners to patients as a relaxation therapy. They were told that there is no pain or discomfort involved, and that Dr. Brown, the Chief Cardiac Surgeon, had approved this relaxationtherapy for all post surgical cardiac patients. It was explained that it would help to reduce adrenalkine, pain and anxiety. Patients signed a consent form prior to the intervention.

Patients were given a 30 minute standard JSJ intervention. They received the same intervention each weekday that they were in the unit.

A total of 168 interventions was given to 120 patients.

Results: At the time of discharge, they were asked a set of standardized questins about their experience with JSJ. The great majority of patients stated that JSJ was helpful, that they felt comfortable with their practioner and they would recommend the treatment to others. There were no negative opinions or outcomes.

Conclusion: JSJ was well received by patients and by the Cardiac Stepdown Unit staff. A majority of patients noted the positive effects of JSJ. It was well accepted by patients and staff, fit well into the delkivery of care, and without adverse outcomes. JSJ may be recommended as a safe and beneficial intervention in the Cardiac Stepdown environment.

Survey Results:

Did you feel the Jin Shin treatment was helpful to you? YES 78% NO 21%

YES   NO  NO ANS      TOT PT     TOT ANS

47      13      6                   66              60

Did you feel differently after the treatment? YES 82% NO 17%

YES   NO  NO ANS      TOT PT     TOT ANS

51      11      4                   66              62

Did you feel comfortable with your practioner? YES 100% NO

YES   NO  NO ANS      TOT PT     TOT ANS

62      0          4                      66          62

Continue with Jin Shin as an outpatient for a fee  (Total = Y/N/M)   YES 32% NO 58%

YES   NO  NO ANS   M   TOT PT     TOT ANS

17      31      13             5      66              53

Would you like to learn Jin Shin as a self help tool? (Total=Y/N/M) YES 43% NO 46%

YES   NO  NO ANS   M   TOT PT     TOT ANS
26      28      6              6      66              53

Would you recommend this treatement to others? (Total=Y/N/M) YES 85% NO 12%

YES   NO  NO ANS   M   TOT PT     TOT ANS
51      7      `   8             2      66              60

Practioner will hold patient’s left upper arm with R hand and place L hand on patient’s R knee (inside of knee) for 3 minutes

Practitioner will hold each of the following 5 positions for 2 minutes:

1. Practitioner will hold patient’s R thumb w/R hand and L little toe with L hand
2. Practitioner will hold patient’s R index finger w/R hand and L ring toe with L hand
3. Practitioner will hold patient’s R middle finger w/R hand and L middle toe with L hand
4. Practitioner will hold patient’s R ring finger w/R hand and L second toe with L hand
5. Practitioner will hold patient’s R little finger w/R hand and L big toe with L hand

Practitioner will site on the right side of the patient

Practitioner will hold each of the following 5 positions for 2 minutes:

6. Practitioner will hold patient’s L thumb w/L hand and R little toe with R hand
7. Practitioner will hold patient’s L index finger w/L hand and R ring toe with R hand
8. Practitioner will hold patient’s L middle finger w/L hand and R middle toe with R hand
9. Practitioner will hold patient’s L ring finger w/L hand and R second toe with R hand
10. Practitioner will hold patient’s L little finger w/L hand and R big toe with R hand

Practitioner will place L hand on Right shoulder and R hand on right groin for 2 minutes.

Practitioner will place L hand on Right shoulder and R hand on right sits bone for 2 minutes

Practitioner will place R hand on left shoulder and L hand on left groin for 2 minutes.

Practitioner will place R hand on left hsoulder and L hand on left sits bone for 2 minutes.