Guide to using the finger labyrinth

Scope

This guide is designed for patients who have been provided with a finger labyrinth by Addenbrooke’s pain service for use during their time as an inpatient. It provides information on the background of the finger labyrinth and a guide to using the finger labyrinth to aid relaxation.

About the finger labyrinths

The labyrinth is an ancient art form that appears in almost every continent and culture. Some labyrinths are big enough to walk round, while others are smaller and can be traced with a finger.

The Addenbrooke’s finger labyrinths are made by the Rowan arts project at Humberstone Road in Cambridge, where people with disabilities work alongside skilled artists to make beautiful objects.

You can find out more at rowan arts centre and forest school (opens in a new tab)

Tracing the labyrinth with your finger can be calming and relaxing, giving you time and space to let go of worries and ‘just be’.

There are many ways to use the finger labyrinth. This sheet has some guidelines that may be helpful.

You can also listen to ‘Using the finger labyrinth’ on an mp3 (available along with an MP3 player from the Pain Service on request) which is designed to talk you through using the labyrinth and aid relaxation.

How to use the Labyrinth

• If possible, choose a time when you will not be disturbed for about 20 minutes
• Place the labyrinth on your lap or within easy reach.
• Take a few moments to get comfortable – is your back supported? Do you need more pillows?
• Notice how your body is feeling and breathe!
• Lightly place your hands on the labyrinth and notice the sensation of your fingertips touching the wood.
• You will notice that the entrance to the labyrinth looks a bit like the trunk of a tree. Place your finger there and pause a while. Think about what you hope to experience.
• Now, slowly begin tracing the path with your finger. You only need to follow the path – there are no tricks or dead ends.
• The journey inwards is a good time for releasing tension and letting go of busy thoughts.
• When you reach the centre – pause – breathe. This is time to just ‘be’. Open yourself to whatever comes.
• When you feel ready, trace the journey out again, carrying with you any insights you have received.
• When you find yourself back at the entrance, take some time to reflect. You may find you feel lighter, stronger and ready to engage

Experiment and find out what works best for you.

The text of this leaflet was written with the assistance of Kay Barrett, who is a labyrinth facilitator based in Cambridge. You can find out more about Kay’s work with labyrinths at Kay's Pathway (opens in a new tab)

References:

Hopthrow, L (2010). The labyrinth: Reclaiming an ancient spiritual tool for a modern healthcare setting. In: Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy, 10:1, pp55-62.

Griffith, Janith (2002). Labyrinths: A pathway to reflection and contemplation. In: Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 6:5, Sept/Oct, pp295-296.