Thumb pushing therapy refers to using the tip of the thumb, the ridged surface, or a slightly protruding point to apply pressure on specific parts or acupoints of the meridians. While the shoulders are relaxed and hanging down, the wrist joint is flexed, and the swinging motion of the wrist drives the flexion and extension of the thumb joint. This generates alternating and continuous force that acts on the acupoints of the meridians, known as thumb pushing therapy.
Massage technique:
1. Relax the muscles of the upper limbs, do not use excessive force. Keep the palm loosely clenched, relax the shoulders, hang the elbows, suspend the wrists, keep the fingers solid and the palms empty.
2. Relax the shoulders and arms, and let the wrists naturally bend. Keep the tip of the thumb firmly pressed without lifting or rubbing back and forth. The movements of this technique should be characterized by a state of relaxation, allowing the force to concentrate on the thumb, with steady strength and flexible and gentle movements.
3. Apply even pressure, frequency, and swing amplitude. The frequency of the movements should be 120 to 160 times per minute. This massage technique can relax tendons and activate meridians, harmonize the function of the nutrient and defensive systems, promote qi circulation and blood flow, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and regulate the function of internal organs. It is suitable for acupoints on various parts of the body, commonly used on the head and face, neck and shoulder, chest and abdomen, waist and back, and joints of the limbs.
This type of massage provides moderate stimulation, balancing and regulating the body. It has a small contact area but has a deep effect. In clinical practice, thumb pushing therapy can be used to treat various diseases in internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, and traumatology. Commonly treated conditions include headaches, insomnia, facial paralysis, hypertension, epigastric pain, abdominal pain, joint and tendon pain, and more.
