External application of medicine massage therapy is a method of treating diseases by combining various massage techniques with the use of topical medications, based on the properties, meridians, and therapeutic effects of the medications. Its characteristic is the dual action of both medication and massage. It is widely used in various medical conditions, especially in acute and chronic pain.
[Operational methods]
I. Principles of external application of medicine massage therapy
1. According to the basic theories of traditional Chinese medicine such as zang-fu organs and meridians, medications are selected based on their properties and meridians, and acupoints are chosen according to the pattern identification. Various medications are used to dispel cold, relieve pain, regulate liver and qi, clear heat and detoxify, eliminate stagnation, tonify kidney and strengthen yang, promote blood circulation and open the meridians, and connect tendons and bones, etc.
2. By using massage techniques, the absorption and utilization of medications can be promoted, enhancing the therapeutic effects. At the same time, it can reduce the damage caused by the techniques. For example, using wine, oil, or powder as carriers can enhance the therapeutic effects and reduce or buffer the friction on the skin caused by the techniques.
II. Techniques used in external application of medicine massage therapy
The commonly used techniques include kneading, rubbing, smearing, patting, grasping, hot pressing, ointment rubbing, alcohol rubbing, etc. The specific methods are as follows:
1. Kneading: Rub the medication on a specific area to make the skin moist.
2. Rubbing: Rub the medication on a specific area to make the skin red.
3. Smearing: Apply the medication, such as water-based medication or poultice, on a specific area to stimulate the skin.
4. Patting: Apply the medication to a specific area and then pat it with hands to facilitate the penetration of the medication.
5. Grasping: Hold and squeeze the medication with hands to generate warmth in the palms. The doctor may assist with the squeezing.
6. Hot pressing: Heat the medication and roll it on a specific area.
7. Ointment rubbing: Grind the medication into fine powder and mix it into an ointment. Apply it to a specific area and massage and knead.
8. Alcohol rubbing: Soak the medication in alcohol for 7 days, then use the medicated alcohol to rub and massage a specific area.
III. Areas of application for external application of medicine massage therapy
1. Head and neck: Yintang, Taiyang, Baihui, Xinhui, Jingwo, and neck hollows, etc.
2. Trunk: Chest center, back center, navel center, epigastric region, lower abdomen, lower dantian, mingmen, and the eight extra meridians, etc.
