Thymus Thumping

When I first moved to Singapore, I used to notice a lot of older Singaporeans standing around, peacefully thumping their chests. I thought, what the hell is that all about? Well I found out - it’s called the “Thymus Thump” and it’s a great technique – if done every day – to make you happier and increase the strength of your immune system. I’d forgotten about it, but saw it mentioned on Facebook this week, reminding me it would be a terrific habit to integrate into my morning stretch routine. So I’m thumping again.

Singapore is an amazing combination of East and West, but it is the old wisdom of the East I am most drawn to – most of which was off limits within the Catholic world I was brought up in. Like meditation, mindfulness and yoga, there are many ancient practises that come from this part of the world, and people are going back to them today in droves. There’s definitely something to it.

I found this background on a blog called “The Universe Inside Your Mind.” 

“The Thymus Thump (also known as the happiness point) can assist to neutralize negative energy, exude calm, revamp energy, support healing and vibrant health, and boost your immune system.

“A simple but very effective energy technique involves tapping, thumping or scratching on the thymus point. The word thymus comes from the Greek word ‘thymos’ which means “life energy.” The thymus gland lies just beneath the upper part of the breastbone in the middle of the chest. Its role is in keeping your own life energy vibrating in high frequency. When the thymus gland is in harmony [it] can increase your strength and vitality. Dr. John Diamond, author of “Life Energy” maintains the thymus gland monitors and regulates the body's energy flow. Therefore when there is an imbalance in energy flow, the Thymus Thump can help correct it.

‘The thymus gland is linked between the mind and the body thus when there is emotional or physical disturbance can cause the thymus gland to shrink and cause depletion in this vital life energy. 

“How to do it:

“You may thump in the middle of your chest with your fist (think Tarzan) on the point shown on the chart. Or, you may want to rub softly or firmly or scratch with four fingers of your hand. Do this for about 20 seconds and breathe deeply in and out. You can also add an affirmation such as “all is well in my world.” 

“You will know when you have activated the thymus gland as you will feel a little tingling or a subtle feeling of ‘joy’ or ‘happiness.’ Another hint is to do three thumps at a time but emphasise the first thump more firmly. For some people it may take a little time before you ‘feel’ anything. Persevere and you will get it and well worth it.

“Do this every day to ensure your life energy and thymus gland is activated but do several times a day if you are suffering from anxiety, panic attacks or stress and allow your life energy to come alive.”

Here’s some more background on “Health and Wellness Unleashed,”from India Divine and even Oprah has covered it, although more about tapping here. Dr. John Diamond is credited with bringing this and other concepts to the Western World back in the late 70s, and here’s some background on him if you’re interested.

If you want a visual demonstration, here’s a quirky video from a bloke entitled "Get Higher - Faster than a Red Bull"

Anyways, I was reminded of it this week, and thought perhaps someone else will appreciate a reminder, and for people who’ve never even heard of it, something to consider if you’ve been feeling a bit down and blue in recent times? Who knows, it could work.

It’s a habit back in my day for sure. If it’s good for the oldies here, it’s good for me.

Yours, without the bollocks

Andrea