What are the techniques of massage?
There are many techniques in traditional Chinese massage. Today, I will focus on two techniques: rubbing and kneading. These two methods are commonly used in daily life, but many people have difficulty mastering them. Let's learn more about them below.
Techniques of traditional Chinese massage Precautions for traditional Chinese massage Techniques of traditional Chinese massage
Techniques of traditional Chinese massage
Rubbing
The rubbing technique involves firmly grasping a certain part of the body with the palms of both hands and applying rapid rubbing and back-and-forth movements. The patient should relax during the operation, and the therapist should use the palms of both hands to hold the treatment area, then apply force in the opposite direction, quickly rubbing, rotating, or massaging, while also moving up and down. The movements should be flexible and not rigid.
The rubbing should be fast and even, while the movements should be slow. It is commonly used on the limbs and auxiliary parts. The rubbing technique provides moderate stimulation and has the effects of promoting blood circulation, activating Qi, and unblocking meridians.
Kneading
The kneading technique involves placing the palms of the hands or the tips of the index, middle, and ring fingers together and attaching them to a certain part or acupoint of the body. The wrists perform rhythmic circular massaging movements. When the palms of the hands are used as the focus, it is called palm kneading, and when the tips of the index, middle, and ring fingers are used as the focus, it is called finger kneading.
Precautions for traditional Chinese massage
1. Trim your nails and wash your hands with hot water before massaging. Also, remove any items such as rings that may hinder the operation in advance.
2. Arrange the positions of the patient and the therapist appropriately, especially the sitting or lying positions of the patient should be comfortable and convenient for the operation.
3. The massage technique should be appropriate in terms of strength, and the therapist should observe the patient's facial expressions at all times to make the patient feel comfortable.
4. The massage time should be around 20 to 30 minutes each time, and the number of massages should be twelve times for one course of treatment.
5. Avoid massaging immediately when the patient is extremely angry, joyful, fearful, or sad.
6. After a meal, do not massage immediately. It is generally advisable to wait for about two hours after a meal.
7. Some patients may fall asleep easily during the massage. In this case, cover them with a towel to prevent them from catching a cold, and pay attention to the room temperature. Avoid massaging in drafty areas.
