Shoulder Pinching Therapy Illustration
Basic Function
Shoulder pinching therapy acts on the governing vessel and foot taiyang bladder meridians by pinching and kneading. The governing vessel connects all yang meridians, and the distribution area of the foot taiyang bladder meridian on the first lateral line of the back is where the back shu points of the organs are located. This area is closely related to the organs. Therefore, shoulder pinching therapy has a significant effect in invigorating yang qi and regulating organ functions. Recent experimental observations have confirmed that shoulder pinching therapy can increase the levels of hemoglobin, plasma protein, and serum amylase index in patients, as well as enhance the absorption function of the small intestine.
Operational Methods
There are two specific methods of shoulder pinching:
One method is to use the thumb and index finger to pinch and hold the skin, with the thumb at the back and the index finger at the front. Then, the index finger and middle finger twist backwards, while the thumb pushes forwards, pinching and pushing towards the occipital area. The other method is to make a fist, with the thumb pressing against the radial side of the flexed index finger. Then, the thumb twists backwards and the index finger pushes forwards, pinching and pushing towards the occipital area. Either method can be chosen based on the operator's preference and convenience.
With both hands along the sides of the spine, continuously pinch and lift the skin from bottom to top, pushing forward, starting from the sacrococcygeal region and continuing until the occipital area (generally reaching the dazhui acupoint, but can also extend to the fengfu acupoint). After repeating 3-5 times, knead the shenshu acupoint 2-3 times. Generally, shoulder pinching therapy is performed once a day or every other day, with 6 sessions as one course. For chronic diseases, there can be a one-week break after one course before starting the second course.
1. The area for shoulder pinching therapy is the midline of the spine, from the coccyx to the seventh cervical vertebra. This follows the route of the governing vessel, from changqiang acupoint to dazhui acupoint. If there are obvious symptoms in the head and face (such as redness, itching, nasal redness, loose teeth, gum ulcers, pale complexion, redness and restlessness, palpitations and teeth grinding, etc.), it can be pinched until the fengfu acupoint. After pinching, knead the shenshu acupoint.
2. The patient should be in a prone or semi-prone position during the treatment, with the aim of keeping the back flat and relaxed.
3. During the shoulder pinching process, the skin should be pinched and lifted forcefully, which is called "lifting." Lift once every 3 pinches, known as the "3 pinches and 1 lift" method; or lift once every 5 pinches, known as the "5 pinches and 1 lift" method; or simply pinch without lifting. Among them, the single pinch without lifting method provides a lighter stimulus, while the "3 pinches and 1 lift" method provides the strongest stimulus.
4. During the treatment, the corresponding back shu points can be pinched and lifted with force according to the differentiation of the organs, in order to enhance the targeted therapeutic effect. For example, pinch and lift the large intestine shu, stomach shu, and spleen shu for anorexia; pinch and lift the stomach shu, liver shu, and diaphragm shu for vomiting; pinch and lift the large intestine shu, spleen shu, and triple burner shu for diarrhea; pinch and lift the large intestine shu, stomach shu, and liver shu for constipation; pinch and lift the kidney shu, zhaoming shu, and lung shu for excessive sweating; pinch and lift the bladder shu, kidney shu, and lung shu for frequent urination; pinch and lift the liver shu, jueyin shu, and heart shu for irritability; pinch and lift the stomach shu, liver shu, and jueyin shu for night crying; pinch and lift the kidney shu, spleen shu, and liver shu for insomnia; pinch and lift the kidney shu, spleen shu, and liver shu for respiratory system diseases, etc.
Adaptation and Contraindications
This therapy has the functions of dredging meridians, regulating yin and yang, promoting the circulation of qi and blood, improving organ function, and enhancing the body's resistance to diseases. Its effects in invigorating the spleen and stomach are particularly prominent. It is commonly used in the treatment of pediatric malnutrition, indigestion, anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, coughing, and night crying. In addition, it can also be used as one of the methods for health preservation massage. This therapy should not be used on areas of the back with damaged skin, or on patients with abscesses or skin diseases. It should be used with caution in patients with high fever, heart disease, or bleeding tendencies.
Precautions
1. This therapy is generally performed on an empty stomach, and should not be done immediately after a meal. Rest for 2 hours before starting.
2. The room temperature should be moderate during the treatment, and the technique should be gentle.
3. For children with poor constitution, the number of sessions per day should not be excessive, and each session should not be too long, around 3-5 minutes is appropriate.
4. When using this therapy, it can be combined with other treatments such as acupuncture points, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and navel application to improve the therapeutic effect.
