Massage Therapy Overview in Traditional Chinese Medicine
One type is active massage, also known as self-massage, which is a self-care method of massaging oneself. The other type is passive massage, which is a medical technique used by doctors for patients, also known as massage therapy in this article. The techniques of massage may vary, but commonly used techniques include pressing, rubbing, pushing, grasping, kneading, pinching, trembling, and tapping. It should be noted that these techniques are often used in combination with each other.
Chinese Massage Techniques
Using fingertips or palms, rhythmically pressing down on the appropriate parts of the body is called pressing technique. Commonly used are single-handed pressing and two-handed pressing. In clinical practice, single-handed pressing or two-handed pressing is usually used on the lower ribs or abdomen. Single-handed pressure may also be used on the back or areas with thick muscles. This involves placing the left hand underneath and gently pressing with the right hand on top of the left hand's knuckles. The same can be done with the right hand underneath and the left hand pressing on top of the right hand's knuckles.
Chinese Massage Rubbing Technique
Rubbing refers to the act of gently rubbing with the fingertips or palms on the appropriate parts of the body. This technique is called rubbing. Rubbing is often combined with pressing and pushing techniques. Single-handed rubbing is commonly used for the upper limbs and shoulders, while two-handed rubbing is commonly used for the chest.
Chinese Massage Pushing Technique
Pushing is the act of exerting force to push. Commonly used methods include single-handed or two-handed pushing and rubbing. Pushing and rubbing are often performed together. For example, when muscles are thick, pushing and rubbing are commonly used. In the posture we see, the doctor uses the thumb and index finger to hold the arm muscles, which is a single-handed pushing and rubbing technique. Can fingers be used for pushing and rubbing? Yes, they can. However, the area covered by fingers is small, so when performing this technique, it is common to use the left hand to hold the patient's wrist and the right hand's index and thumb to perform pushing and rubbing on one of the patient's fingers, or only use the right thumb to perform pushing and rubbing on the patient's finger. The pediatric massage technique passed down in traditional Chinese medicine is actually the use of pushing and rubbing techniques. The techniques of pushing and rubbing are diverse. When both hands are placed together, the thumbs are aligned, and the index fingers are aligned, both hands are brought together and pushed forward, this is called the two-handed concentrated pushing and rubbing technique, which is the most effective pushing and rubbing technique.
Chinese Massage Grasping Technique
Grasping is the act of grasping the skin and muscles of the appropriate parts with the hands. This is called the grasping technique. Commonly used is the single-handed grasping technique used on the legs or areas with thick muscles. If a patient is experiencing tightness or frustration, sudden chest congestion, or symptoms similar to fainting, the grasping technique can be used on the area above the clavicle and shoulder. The muscles are grasped and released, repeated 20 times in quick succession, with a short break, and then repeated 20 times. This helps relieve chest congestion and harmonizes breathing.
Chinese Massage Kneading Technique
The doctor uses the hand to press against the patient's skin and performs a slight rotating kneading motion. This is called the kneading technique. Kneading can be done with one hand or both hands. For smaller areas such as the temples, finger kneading can be used, while for larger areas such as the back, palm kneading can be used. There is also a technique called single-handed pressure kneading, where the left hand presses on the patient's calf, and the right hand applies pressure on the back of the left hand, performing single-handed pressure kneading. For thicker calf muscles, the following two-handed kneading technique can be used. Kneading has the function of dispersing stasis and promoting blood circulation. It is very suitable for local pain points.
Chinese Massage Pinching Technique
Pinching is the act of using the fingers to pinch the skin and muscles from the bone surface. This is called the pinching technique. There are similarities between pinching and grasping techniques, but grasping requires more force, while pinching focuses on the fingers. Grasping requires more force, while pinching requires less force. Pinching is a commonly used basic technique in massage therapy and is often combined with kneading. Pinching actually includes the squeezing action of the fingertips. As pinching slightly compresses the muscles, it can enhance the flexibility of the skin and tendons and improve blood and lymph circulation. Light pinching can dispel wind and cold, and dissolve blood stasis, while deep pinching can treat muscle, tendon, and joint pain caused by wind, cold, and dampness.
Chinese Massage Trembling Technique
Trembling is a massage technique that involves vibrating and shaking. The movements should be quick and short, and the rhythm should be even. It is recommended to vibrate about 10 times per second, or about 600 times per minute. Trembling cannot be separated from movement, so it is also called trembling technique. Place the thumb vertically on the patient's tender spot, and shake vigorously with the whole wrist, causing the thumb to vibrate and shake. This is called single-finger trembling technique. Use the thumb and index finger, or the index finger and middle finger, place them on the patient's tender spot or forehead, and use wrist force to tremble. This is called two-finger trembling technique.
Chinese Massage Tapping Technique
Tapping is also known as percussion technique. It is often used after massage therapy. However, it can also be used independently if necessary. Tapping requires light and precise force, being soft and flexible. Appropriate tapping can give the patient a sense of relaxation, otherwise it will not be effective. Tapping is mainly done with both hands. Common techniques include lateral palm chopping, flat palm tapping, horizontal fist tapping, and vertical fist tapping:
(1) Lateral palm chopping: Stand the palms upright, with the thumbs up and the little fingers down, about one centimeter apart between the fingers. When the palms fall, the fingers come together; when the palms rise, they slightly separate. Alternate the two hands.
(2) Flat palm tapping: Place both palms flat on the muscles and tap rhythmically, one after the other.
(3) Horizontal fist tapping: Make fists with both hands, with the back of the hand facing upward, and the thumbs opposite each other. The fists should be relaxed and lively, with a slight gap between the fingers and the palm. Tap horizontally alternately. This technique is commonly used on areas with thick muscles such as the waist, thighs, and shoulders.
(4) Vertical fist tapping: Make fists with both hands, holding them vertically with the thumb up and the little finger down, facing each other. The same principles of relaxed and lively fists and a slight gap between the fingers and the palm apply. This technique is commonly used on the back and waist.
Acupressure Massage
1. Yingxiang (Welcome Fragrance) Acupoint
Location: The Yingxiang acupoint is located on both sides of the nose, in line with the eyes when looking straight ahead.
Benefits: Massaging this acupoint can quickly relieve lung heat and have a significant regulating effect on pale complexion caused by discomfort.
Massage Technique: Use fingertips to press on the acupoint and gently apply pressure, moving back and forth. Massage for about 1 minute before bedtime. In addition to using the fingertip of the index finger, according to Chinese medicine, there is a "yin-yang correspondence" between the thumb of the Taiyin Lung Meridian and the Yingxiang acupoint, so using the thumb instead can enhance the effect.
2. Taiyang (Sun) Acupoint
Location: I believe everyone knows where the Taiyang acupoint is, right?
Benefits: The Taiyang acupoint is closely related to facial nerves. Chinese medicine believes that the Taiyang acupoint can promote drainage and reduce facial swelling, effectively improving facial edema caused by poor circulation and dull complexion caused by excessive fatigue.
Massage Technique: Use the thumbs of both hands to press on the acupoint, gently kneading and massaging. Additional massage on the forehead and eye sockets can be done as needed, anytime and anywhere.
3. Daying (Great Welcome) Acupoint
Location: The Daying acupoint is located on the side of the head, below the jawbone, in the depression below the corner of the mouth when the lips are slanted downward.
Benefits: Massaging this acupoint can promote blood circulation in the face and tighten the skin. As it is located near the cheeks on both sides of the chin, it is often said that "women who like to rest their cheeks have small and beautiful faces", which is not entirely without reason.
Massage Technique: Use the index finger to apply pressure on the acupoint, exhale while applying pressure for 6 seconds, and repeat for 4-5 sets.
Summary
The four tapping techniques mentioned above are mainly used on areas with thicker muscles, such as the neck, shoulders, back, waist, thighs, and calves. The force of tapping should start light and gradually increase in strength. However, heavy force should not be used. The palms should be forceful yet elastic, giving the patient a comfortable feeling. The tapping time is generally 1-2 minutes, or 3 minutes is sufficient. In very rare cases, the time can be extended or shortened according to the condition. This technique can be used in combination with massage therapy or used alternately.
