Betsie Haar presents a book review in The Main Central Jin Shin Jyutsu Newsletter, issue Number 62, Fall 2008:

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A Touching Good-Bye, The Gentle Use of Jin Shin Jyutsu® at Times of Critical Illness and Death ~ by Judith B. Andry, M.Ed.

In Judy Andry’s new book, A Touching Good-Bye, The Gentle Use of Jin Shin Jyutsu at Times of Critical Illness and Death, you’ll find a collection of true stories from Jin Shin Jyutsu instructors and students detailing their experiences with the critically ill and the dying. The tone of her book is compassionate and inspiring, and its simplicity makes the Art accessible to everyone.

The first part of the book includes a preface from Judy where she explains why she wrote this book – “to give a sense of empowerment to those whose loved one is dying.” Even in the best hospitals, with the best medical care, many patients and families suffer a great deal – not just physical pain, but confusion, fear, and isolation. Judy encourages us to gently place our hands on our loved one and guides us into very simple, but very effective, ways to help ease suffering.

David Burmeister contributes a forward to the book and writes that “practicing the Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu during times of critical need can help restore emotional, physical and spiritual harmony so that one can make the transition in the most peaceful way possible.” David also shares the story of his own father’s dying.

This is an intimate book, and the author handles both the difficult subject matter and the emotional openness of the contributors’ stories with great sensitivity. The personal stories are a way for readers not familiar with Jin Shin Jyutsu to identify with the caregivers in the book and feel empowered to help their loved ones. “Judy Andry shows how to support those we love at the time of their death with dignity, respect and exquisite caring.” writes instructor Susan Brooks.

There are chapters on death, anger and fears, and pain. The author doesn’t shrink from very real end of life issues, which is why her small book has such a big heart. And yet it’s not at all depressing – just the opposite. It’s a compassionate, honest, and sweet book that encourages readers to use the Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu in the most trying of circumstances.

A Touching Good-Bye doesn’t promise miracles. There are some amazing stories here, but the majority of them involve giving comfort and peace to the person with the critical illness. “None of us have the power over the life or death of another person, over saving or not saving, over living or dying,” writes Judy. She warns against pushing Jin Shin Jyutsu onto someone who’s not receptive and similarly warns against proselytizing.

To be continued…

A Touching Good-Bye is available at http://www.jsjinc.net.