Adele Leas is a founder of the Unconditional Love Program, facilitated by the Alaqua Animal Refuge, in Walton County, which provides opportunities for select inmates from area correctional institutions to train rescued canines. The objective is to place the dogs as companions or for advanced training to become a therapy canine used by hospitals, schools, special needs centers, nursing homes and veterans associations. Inmates learn the basic care of canines and canine training skills, adding value to their institutional lives and providing job skills for re-entry into the community.

Jin Shin Jyutsu is the art of releasing tensions and blockages that causing symptoms in the body. It teaches that we have innate ability to harmonize and balance ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually. Alternative healing arts teach that our bodies contain energy pathways that feed life into all of our cells. When one or more of these paths become blocked, the result may be discomfort, or even pain. The blockage not only disrupts the local area, but can eventually de-harmonize the complete path of the energy flow.

In 1989, Leas was facing major health challenges stemming from a weak immune system and several severe accidents. At the time, she had never heard of Jin Shin Jyutsu, but was given a gift certificate for a session and learned some simple self-help exercises. The practice showed she could heal herself, even from a state of extreme illness. With self-help Jin Shin Jyutsu as a vital tool in sustaining her own health, it seemed natural to share it with Amiti, a beloved, aging Collie. The result was profound.

Leas has since become an internationally-known teacher and proponent of JSJ for animals. Originally a practitioner of this ancient hands-on art for humans, she now specializes in animals. Inevitably they get old and suffer various ailments. Leas has had animal clients for more than 18 years and has taught Jin Shin Jyutsu animal classes throughout the world.

She wrote the book Jin Shin Jyutsu for Your Animal Companion as a workbook for classes in the art, it now stands on its own as an all-purpose introduction to the work. The book illustrates the location of the hands for each step of the flows and the adaptations needed to work with different size species from dogs and horses, birds and hamsters. 

Disharmonies and health conditions improved through Jin Shin Jyutsu include lessening healing time after injury or surgery; digestion and elimination concerns; skeletal and muscular issues; circulatory problems; and arthritis, rheumatism and other age-related imbalances. Short, frequent  application of the art can help keep older animals limber and active

“JSJ addresses the cause of the disharmony, as  well as the system caused by it,” says Leas. “Many animals are more receptive than people. It doesn't matter if the animals believe in this or not. Placebos don't work with animals; if they don't like it, thet just walk away. But most of the time, even big animals just melt with relaxation and enter an almost meditative state. “Dogs respond well because they are the most connected to humans, but puppies can be a challenge. Cats benefit well, but they don't like to show up for class. A horse's energy harmonizes easily, and you can sense their unique connection to the whole, secret, ancient world.”

The practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu is introduced early into the program and practiced by inmates throughout the course of the program. It enhances the bond and results in the ability for both the inmate and canine to grow, change and ultimately, experience healing and harmony.

The book Jin Shin Jyutsu for Your Animal can be purchased at JSJForYourAnimal.com. Contact Leas at 504-782-8831 or visit AlaquaAnimalRefuge.org.