Anita Willoughby tells us about Diaphragm and Umbilicus Function Energy: Power and Connection in The Main Central Jin Shin Jyutsu Newsletter, issue Number 47, Winter, 2005:

*******************

continued…

It was through teaching 5-day Jin Shin Jyutsu classes that I began to play with these archetypal concepts of the Umbilical and Diaphragm Flows. For what else is a 5-day Jin Shin Jyutsu class but the 5 depths inside the 6th Depth circle – the framework of the class? We have already established that every Jin Shin Jyutsu class is a 6th Depth circle. The Diaphragm Flow, the father of all flows, is the bellows which fans the fire and vitality of our lives. The Diaphragm, extrovert energy makes the journey to the Jin Shin Jyutsu class, and part of its expression is to bring all the information of the heaven or invisible world down to earth. The Umbilicus energy takes over, the mother of all flows, she is the invisible nurturer, brings warmth into relationships and is able to make connections between all aspects of our being, is able to see relationships. The Umbilicus, the introvert energy turns within to nurture the class, to direct the distribution of nutrients and knowledge to every person within the 6th Depth class circle.

If learning is truly the study of relationships, then Umbilicus energy is essential to every class, for Umbilicus is responsible for warmth and harmony in all relationships. The Diaphragm and Umbilicus Flows come into being to bring all together. To distill the energy of Diaphragm and Umbilicus down to its essence, one might say Diaphragm is the driving power in life and Umbilicus is the connection, the love of life. (If there is not enough power in one’s life, there is a deep Diaphragm need, and if there is not enough love, there is a deep Umbilicus deficiency.)

Another Irony in these 6th Depth organ flows is that the Diaphragm Function Energy is an ascending flow. It originates in the diaphragm and it circulates the lungs, travels up the front of the arm to the middle and ring finger to join with the Umbilicus energy; but its job is to help all heaven to descend, or to help descending energy. In turn, the Umbilicus Function Energy is a descending flow. It starts from the ring fingernail, flows down the back of the arm, into the 3rd front rib, where it separates and continues its journey, one part through the ribs, the heart, to the 14 area, the stomach, the pancreas, the gall bladder – and the other part weaves its way through the head, to join up with the Gall Bladder energy, just below the eyelid; its job is to help energy ascend.

Thus we have a unique reversal of form and function in the 6th Depth circle of unity. In this circle of unity there is no contradiction, no division; characteristics are interchangeable and reversible. If we are able to wrap our Western minds around that, we are prepared to understand.

The Diaphragm Function Energy in conjunction with the energy of its astrological sign, Sagittarius, has the ability to perceive; the ability to perceive the heaven world, the whole picture, the 6th Depth circle of unity. The Umbilicus Function Energy, in conjunction with the material of the Capricorn constellation, has the energy and desire to know how to use this perception of the bigger picture, and its desire is to use this perception, down here on earth.

The fundamental question of a Jin Shin Jyutsu class is related to the Umbilicus energy, How do we use this information down here on planet earth? How do we use what we have perceived in a 5-day Jin Shin Jyutsu class?

To be continued…