Practical Acupuncture Therapy Health Handbook

Author: Xu Tiande, Tian Xiaofang / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-09-01
Features:
2. Position same as above: Bend the index fingers of both hands, using the back of the middle joints of the index fingers to press against the skin on both sides of the spine. Press the thumbs forward to pinch the skin opposite the middle joints of the index fingers, lifting and twisting alternately with both hands while moving forward. This method has a wide range of applications and is commonly used in clinical practice to treat pediatric indigestion, malnutrition, diarrhea, vomiting, and poor digestion. It also has certain effects on adults with digestive disorders, menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, and various chronic conditions such as neurasthenia and insomnia. It helps balance yin and yang, strengthen the spleen and stomach, unblock meridians, and promote blood circulation. When applied to pediatric health care, it can promote children's growth and development and enhance their disease resistance.
(5) Rubbing technique refers to using the fleshy part of the palm (great trochanter), the root of the palm, or the lateral surfaces of the fingers to adhere to a specific area or acupoint and perform gentle, soothing circular rubbing movements, thereby mobilizing the subcutaneous tissue in that area. This is called rubbing technique. Rubbing with the fleshy part of the palm or the root of the palm is called palm rubbing; rubbing with the finger surfaces is called finger rubbing.
1. Palm Rubbing Technique: Apply pressure with the fleshy part of the palm or the root of the palm, keeping the wrist relaxed, and use the wrist joint to guide the forearm in small circular movements. The pressure should be light and gentle, with a rubbing frequency of 120–160 times per minute.
2. Finger Rubbing Technique: Lightly press the thumb, middle finger, or the lateral surfaces of the thumb, middle, and ring fingers on a specific area or acupoint, keeping the wrist relaxed, and perform small, gentle circular movements. The frequency is the same as that of palm rubbing.
[Clinical Application] Rubbing is gentle and soothing, with a low intensity of stimulation, making it suitable for both the elderly and young. Palm rubbing is often used to treat conditions such as abdominal and chest pain, costal and hypochondriac pain, constipation, and diarrhea, as well as soft tissue redness and pain caused by trauma. It has the effects of broadening the chest, regulating qi, strengthening the spleen and stomach, promoting blood circulation, and alleviating swelling and pain. Finger rubbing is more commonly used to treat pediatric conditions, and its therapeutic effects vary depending on the acupoints selected and the direction of rubbing.
Using the palm surface, the fleshy part of the great trochanter, or the fleshy part of the little trochanter to press firmly against the skin of a specific area and apply slight downward pressure, moving in straight lines in an upward or lateral direction, generating a certain amount of heat, is called rubbing technique. Currently, the operation of rubbing technique is basically divided into three types.
1. Palm Rubbing Technique: Extend the palm and use the palm surface to press firmly against the skin, performing continuous linear rubbing movements in an upward or lateral direction. This method has a large contact area and is suitable for larger, flatter areas such as the shoulder, back, chest, and abdomen. Clinically, it is often used to treat respiratory disorders, digestive disorders, and fatigue due to weakness.
2. Fish Rubbing Technique: Clench the fingers slightly and form a loose palm, using the fleshy part of the great trochanter and the root of the palm to press firmly against the skin and perform linear rubbing movements. This method has a smaller contact area than palm rubbing and is suitable for the limbs, especially the upper limbs. It is often used to treat injuries to the limbs, soft tissue swelling and pain, and joint stiffness.
3. Side Rubbing Technique: Extend the palm and use the fleshy part of the little trochanter to press firmly against the skin, performing linear rubbing movements. This method has a smaller contact area. With skilled operation, the friction after rubbing can produce a burning sensation locally. Rubbing on the lumbar and sacral region can often make warmth penetrate to the lower abdomen or lower limbs. This method is suitable for the shoulder, back, lumbar and sacral region, and lower limbs, and is often used to treat rheumatic pain in the back and waist.
(7) Rubbing technique involves using both palms to hold a specific part of the body and rub back and forth in opposite directions with relative force, known as double-palm rubbing. Rubbing technique is an auxiliary method, often used for the limbs and costal regions. Its main effects include unblocking meridians, promoting blood circulation, and relaxing muscles. Clinical operation, taking the upper limbs as an example: The patient sits with the arm relaxed and hanging naturally. The therapist stands on one side, leans slightly forward, and uses both hands to hold the front and back of the patient's shoulders, rubbing alternately forward and backward with relative force. While rubbing, move gradually toward the fingertips, repeating this motion several times.