In pediatric tuina, the clearing lung meridian technique is a commonly used method. So what is the correct technique for clearing the lung meridian? And what are the functions of the lung meridian?
The Direction of Clearing the Lung Meridian
Place the thumb on the palm side of the patient's ring finger and push directly from the thumb pad to the fingertip (the spiral surface of the distal phalanx of the ring finger) for 100-300 times, or push for 1-2 minutes.
The Functions of the Lung Meridian
The lung meridian has the functions of promoting lung ventilation, regulating qi, clearing heat, and relieving thirst. It is mainly used to treat cough, wheezing, aversion to cold, fever, phlegm in the throat, and prolapse of anus.
Other Massage Techniques for the Lung Meridian
The masseur pushes directly from the patient's ring finger tip to the root of the finger, which is called tonifying the lung meridian; repeatedly pushing directly is called clearing the lung meridian. Tonifying or clearing the lung meridian can tonify the lung and boost qi, and it is used to treat cough, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, etc.
Clinical Applications of the Lung Meridian
1. Clearing the lung meridian can promote lung ventilation, clear heat, expel wind, resolve exterior syndromes, and dissolve phlegm to relieve cough. It is used for exterior syndromes such as common cold, fever, and cough.
2. Tonifying the lung meridian should not tonify the lung qi. It is used for cold-deficiency syndromes such as sweating, prolapse of anus, lung qi deficiency, and cough and wheezing.
Precautions for Clearing the Lung Meridian
The lung meridian is mostly cleared or purged, and tonifying method is not used. If a child has symptoms of diarrhea, then the clearing of the lung meridian should be done less or not at all to avoid aggravating the condition. The combination of clearing the lung meridian and descending the six fu organs can clear heat, cool blood, reduce swelling, and relieve pain.
