According to traditional Chinese medicine, women are associated with yin energy, characterized by a petite and slim body shape. Therefore, the choice of massage techniques should be based on the unique physical form, organ structure, physiological functions, and psychological characteristics of women in order to achieve the desired massage effects.
1. Pressing Technique
Using fingertips or palms to press rhythmically on appropriate parts of the patient's body. It can be performed with single hand or both hands.
2. Rubbing Technique
Using fingers or palms to rub on appropriate parts of the patient's body. It can be combined with pressing and pushing techniques. There are single hand rubbing for upper limbs and shoulder areas, and double hand rubbing for the chest area.
3. Pushing Technique
Using fingers or palms to push and squeeze the skin and muscles forward, upward, or outward. It can be performed with single hand or both hands. Single hand pushing technique involves using the thumb and index finger to hold and push the muscles of the arm. Double hand concentrated pushing technique involves placing both hands together and pushing forward, with thumb against thumb and index finger against index finger.
4. Grasping Technique
Using hands to slightly lift and hold the skin of appropriate parts. It is commonly used for the legs or areas with thicker muscles using single hand grasping.
5. Kneading Technique
Using hands to make gentle rotating movements against the patient's skin. It can be performed with single hand or both hands. For small areas like the temples, finger kneading can be used, while for larger areas like the back, palm kneading is more suitable. For the calf muscles, double hand kneading can be used.
6. Pinching Technique
Using fingers to pinch the skin and muscles from the bone surface at appropriate parts. Pinching should be done with gentle force and often combined with kneading technique. There are single hand pinching and double hand forward pinching.
7. Vibrating Technique
This is a massage technique that involves vibrating and shaking. There are single finger vibrating and double finger vibrating techniques. The former involves placing the thumb vertically on the patient's painful spot and shaking vigorously using the wrist. The latter involves using the thumb and index finger, or index finger and middle finger, placed on the patient's painful area or forehead, and vibrating with the force of the wrist.
