Ricki Pollycove, M.D.  (Gynecology and Women’s Health) presents an article in The Main Central Jin Shin Jyutsu Newsletter, issue Number 48, Spring 2005, about the effect of Jin Shin Jyutsu Therapy for Bowel and Bladder Incontinence:

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Witness to a Remarkable Healing and Restoration ~ Bowel and Bladder Incontinence and Jin Shin Jyutsu Therapy

Dr. Ricki Pollycove specializes in women’s health and integrative medicine at California Pacific Medical Center. She is the co-author of Mother Nurture, A Mother’s Guide to Health in Body, Mind, and Intimate Relationships (Penguin Books). Dr. Pollycove lectures regularly at physician conferences and has been a frequent guest on television specials. Many of our readers might like to get her wonderful book. ~ Pennie Sempell

Transcendent experiences may be mental, physical or a combination of both. This remarkable restoration of function and control happened as a result of a comprehensive form of touch therapy called Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ) provided in my office setting by Pennie Sempell, an experienced practitioner of JSJ, guided imagery and massage.

In December 1999, I first met MMK as a new patient, for routine gynecologic consultation and menopause management. She was a remarkably vigorous 77 year old physician, still consulting in medico-legal matters, actively pursuing arts and cultural activities, traveling with her husband of 49 years, despite a diagnosis of Parkinson’s at age 64. Following a severe urinary tract infection some time later, her borderline urine control became inadequate. She had lost rectal sphincter control as well. This was devastating as she and her husband still enjoyed an active lifestyle. She used incontinence pads and self-administered enema every morning to keep her rectum as empty as possible.

Two pelvic floor specialists recommended a complex surgical procedure, and MMK faced the dilemma of maybe improving her sphincter control but possibly never regaining full ambulatory function, having required over 6 months of physical therapy to walk with a cane after prolonged general anesthesia for back surgery four years before. My suggestion was to try something that could do no harm – Jin Shin Jyutsu. Pennie Sempell has worked closely with my patients for many years.  Remarkable outcomes had become routine in our collaborations. MMK was skeptical but willing to try a non-Western approach.

One week after the first JSJ session MMK reported with surprise having had one normal bowel movement. After 3 weekly sessions she reported bowel continence continuously for 14 days. She was stunned by the progress. Restoration of sphincter control continued and remained adequate 30 months later, eliminating all need for incontinence pads for bowel functions. In addition, urine control significantly improved and maintained improvement, with a 50% reduction in the use of pads. MMK faithfully practiced daily JSJ self-care exercises and currently receives treatments on a once monthly (or less frequent) basis. MMK at age 82 is vigorous in all domains of her life. She also has completed a life path of self-care series of workshops with the Institute for Health and Healing that helped her memory, balance, stamina and overall positive disposition.

Thank you, Dr. Pollycove.

Thank you, Pennie.

Thank you, Mary.

Thank you, David.

Gassho, Namaste, Blessings

All issues of The Main Central Jin Shin Jyutsu Newsletter are available at http://www.jsjinc.net.

Note: it has been my observation and experience that the key to a successful outcome is daily self-help. In this way I help my body heal and restore itself.