1. Rubbing Massage Therapy
Using the palm, palm root, or finger lines to press and rotate gently on the treatment area is called rubbing. This motion stimulates the subcutaneous tissue.
2. Palm Rubbing Massage Therapy
The practitioner uses the palm root or palm base to press down with slight force, while keeping the wrist relaxed. The wrist joint and forearm perform small rotating movements, rubbing the skin in the treatment area. If the emphasis is on the palm base, it is called palm base rubbing; if the emphasis is on the palm root, it is called palm root rubbing. Palm root rubbing is often combined with palm pressing to form a technique called palm pressing and rubbing. This technique helps to open the meridians, relieve chest tightness, regulate the spleen and stomach, promote blood circulation, relieve swelling, and treat symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, chest tightness, side pain, cough with excessive phlegm, abdominal pain and distension, as well as joint sprains, redness, swelling, and pain.
3. Finger Rubbing Massage Therapy
The practitioner uses the thumb or index finger pad, or the pads of the ring, middle, and index fingers to lightly press on the treatment area. Keeping the wrist relaxed, the practitioner uses the wrist joint to perform a gentle, small circular motion on the treatment area. The frequency is 120 to 160 times per minute. This technique promotes sweating, relieves external symptoms, resolves phlegm, stops coughing, and strengthens the spleen and stomach. It is used to treat symptoms such as fever, cough, constipation, diarrhea, and enuresis.
4. Rubbing Massage Therapy
Rubbing involves a coordinated rubbing motion with both hands. It is often used as a finishing technique in massage therapy to relax the meridians, harmonize qi and blood, and alleviate adverse reactions caused by intense stimulation. The practitioner uses both palms to hold the limbs in the treatment area, and then applies force in opposite directions, quickly rubbing and moving up and down. This technique helps to relax tendons, open meridians, regulate qi and blood, relieve spasms and pain, and relieve liver qi stagnation. It is used to treat symptoms such as limb soreness, limited mobility, and liver qi stagnation.
5. Twisting Massage Therapy
Using the fingers or thumb to hold and rub the treatment area is called twisting. This technique helps to lubricate the joints, relieve swelling and pain, improve blood circulation, and relax tendons and release adhesions. It is used to treat conditions such as finger joint sprains, rheumatoid arthritis, and flexor tendon sheath inflammation.
