We recently connected with Kathleen Dunderdale and have shared our conversation below.

Kathleen, appreciate you joining us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

This is where my journey commenced. In my 40s, I found myself embarking on a solo journey from Dubai to Paris, a venture filled with nervous anticipation. While perusing the airport bookstore, an orange-covered book caught my attention, with hands joined together as in prayer. I was intrigued by the title “Practical Jin Shin Jyutsu.” I like the practical approach. As I flipped through its pages, encountering body diagrams with strategically placed numbered dots, I initially hesitated and set it aside. However, the book seemed determined to make an impression as it slipped from my hands three times.

Curiosity getting the better of me, I finally opened it to discover a statement that caught my eye: “If you hold your thumb, you will calm down.” I read an analogy of a baby in the womb soothing itself by sucking its thumb. Intrigued, I purchased the book and delved into its contents during the flight, still skeptical about how thumb-holding could induce relaxation.

Upon landing at Charles de Gaulle airport and awaiting my luggage, I decided to try it. Surprisingly, as I held my thumbs, I felt my shoulders ease, and a profound sense of calmness washed over me. This experience convinced me that there might be something worthwhile in this practice. In the year 2000, my journey with Jin Shin Jyutsu commenced, leading me to establish a JSJ practice on three continents. Was this serendipity? The gentle yet profound art of Jin Shin Jyutsu found me in the most unexpected place – an airport.

Kathleen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Jin Shin Jyutsu, an ancient Japanese practice of balancing the body’s energy with light touch, offers a gentle approach to releasing deep tension and restoring balance without the use of needles or massage. This therapeutic method not only addresses physical discomfort but also harmonizes the spirit, mind, and body. Whether you are dealing with pain, stress, anxiety, headaches, going through a transition, facing a long-term illness, experiencing infertility, or simply feeling out of sorts, Jin Shin Jyutsu can rebalance and revive you.

As a dedicated therapist and lifelong educator, I have been a Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner since 2001. Following a session, I provide clients with personalized JSJ Self-Help techniques to practice at home, empowering clients to utilize their own hands for self-healing. I offer in-person and online JSJ Self-Help classes, and I recommend “The Art of Jin Shin: The Japanese Practice of Healing with Your Fingertips” by Alexis Brink as a valuable resource to kickstart your journey of self-help.

My educational background includes a BA in Education from the University of Kentucky, an MA in Curriculum/Teaching from Michigan State, and certification as a Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner and Self-Help teacher. My JSJ studies began in London in 2000 and extended to the USA, Singapore, Japan, Europe, and Ireland. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors like Haruki Kato Sensei, Sadaki Kato, Lynne Pflueger, and Carlos Gutterres, I deepened my understanding of Jin Shin Jyutsu. I am a graduate of the Jin Shin Jyutsu Professional Practitioners course and a Principal Practitioner of the Art of Jin Shin with the Jin Shin Institute Murai Method, I am currently undergoing teacher training with the Jin Shin Guild International Academy.

With extensive knowledge and 33 glowing 5-star ratings and over 24 years of practice, you can trust that you are in caring and capable hands. The international following of Jin Shin Jyutsu, coupled with its organic growth, reflects its profound impact. It is a true blessing to witness clients improve and discover how they can help themselves and their families. You too can begin this journey by gently holding each finger for a few minutes, experiencing the depth of your exhale as you release emotions.

I believe that every family, street, neighborhood, and community worldwide should have a practitioner of this art. Let us make a difference together—join me and discover the joy of learning!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Jin Shin Jyutsu is undeniably effective. When clients present with concerns and leave feeling better, these positive outcomes contribute significantly to building one’s reputation. The cycle of success begins, with word of mouth spreading the news of your skills. I believe that to establish a strong business reputation, expertise is paramount. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to continuous learning through numerous seminars and specialized classes, and my journey with Jin Shin Jyutsu remains a deep, never tedious, lifelong study. Witnessing the transformative unfolding of the body through Jin Shin is truly fascinating, and the contentment and relaxation clients experience after sessions speak volumes.

Becoming a Jin Shin practitioner is a choice I would make without hesitation. I express gratitude to God for being chosen to undertake this meaningful work.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The onset of Covid prompted changes in my work setup. Initially based in my home office, I relocated my practice to the garage. Despite the shift, clients continued to seek sessions. Adhering to safety measures, we wore masks, I donned plastic gloves, and diligently sanitized both the sheets and the garage. Remarkably, I remained Covid-free. Later, when I transitioned to a small office, clients continued to visit while maintaining the same safety protocols.

Adapting to the new circumstances, I introduced distance Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ) Sessions. I devised a system employing a proxy—a stuffed toy–allowing me to conduct sessions while the client lay at home, receiving the energy work remotely. Some clients actively participated with me in the flow patterns through Zoom. These alternative approaches proved highly effective.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jsjacupressurehouston.com
• Instagram: jsjacupressurehouston
• Facebook: jsjacupressurehouston
• Linkedin: Kathy Dunderdale
• Youtube: JSJ Acupressure Houston
• Yelp: jsjacupressurehouston
• Other: https://jinshinguild.org https://theartofjinshin.com