The general principle is to scrape in a sequence from top to bottom, from inside to outside, and from left to right. Each area is generally scraped first along the Yang meridians, followed by the Yin meridians. The head is scraped directly from top to bottom or horizontally from inside to outside. The scapular area is scraped from top to bottom or horizontally from inside to outside. The back, waist, chest, and abdomen are scraped from top to bottom and from inside to outside; the upper and lower limbs are scraped from top to bottom; the face and chest are scraped diagonally from inside to outside. Scraping is performed repeatedly in the same direction on the surface of the body and along the meridians until petechiae appear on the skin.
Head Scraping Techniques
1. From Front to Back
The direction for scraping the sides of the head is from the Yao Wei (Head Vertex) point to the lower temporal angle, scraping backward and downward along the hairline above the ear to the back hairline.
2. From the Top of the Head to the Forehead
The direction for scraping the top of the head is defined by the Bai Hui (Hundred Meetings) point, scraping from the top of the head to the hairline of the forehead, always scraping from left to right.
3. From Inside to Outside
The scraping of the entire head can also be performed radially from the Bai Hui (Hundred Meetings) point outward.
4. From Top to Bottom
Scraping the back of the head should start from the center of the top of the head to the back hairline, with the same force and frequency as the front of the head.
Facial Scraping Sequence
The facial scraping sequence should follow the muscle direction from inside to outside. The forehead and cheeks are scraped horizontally from the midline to both sides, while around the eyes and mouth, scraping is done from inside to outside along the circular muscles of the eyes (mouth). Since facial petechiae can affect appearance, the scraping technique must be gentle, avoiding excessive force and large areas of scraping.
After facial scraping, blood circulation is accelerated, and applying a facial mask at this time will enhance the effect, avoiding excessive cold that may irritate the skin.
Neck Scraping Sequence
The neck scraping sequence is from the occipital hairline along the muscle direction to both sides of the shoulder peaks.
Back Scraping Sequence
The back scraping sequence is from top to bottom.
Tip for Scraping: When scraping along the midline of the back, the technique should be gentle, using a reinforcing method, and not applying excessive force to avoid injuring the spine. The edges of the scraping tool can be used to press between the spinous processes, and on both sides of the back, the reinforcing or reducing technique can be selected based on the patient’s constitution and condition, applying even force without pausing in the middle.
Chest Scraping Sequence
1. From Top to Bottom
Scraping along the midline of the chest, from the Tian Tu (Heavenly Prominence) point through the Dan Zhong (Middle of the Chest) point down to the Jiu Wei (Coccyx) point. Use the edge of the scraping tool to scrape from top to bottom. The scraping along the midline of the chest should be gentle, scraping along the intercostal spaces with the edge of the scraping tool. Avoid scraping at the nipple area.
2. From Inside to Outside
Scraping both sides of the chest, from the midline outward, first the left side then the right side, using the entire edge of the scraping tool to scrape along the ribs.
Abdominal Scraping Sequence
1. From Top to Bottom
Scraping along the midline of the abdomen, from the Jiu Wei (Coccyx) point to the Qu Gu (Curve Bone) point.
2. From Inside to Outside
Scraping both sides of the abdomen, from the Yao Men (Gate of the Stomach) point to the Ri Yue (Sun and Moon) point.
Limbs Scraping Sequence
When scraping the limbs, avoid excessive force on the joints. For patients with varicose veins or edema in the lower limbs, scrape from bottom to top. If the skin has infections, ulcers, or tumors, avoid scraping those areas. Acute bone and joint injuries or bruises should not be scraped, but scraping can accelerate recovery during the rehabilitation phase.
1. Inner Side of the Upper Limbs
Scraping the inner side of the upper limbs from top to bottom.
2. Outer Side of the Upper Limbs
Scraping the outer side of the upper limbs from top to bottom, pausing at the elbow joint.
3. Back Side of the Lower Limbs
Scraping the back side of the lower limbs from top to bottom, pausing at the popliteal fossa.
4. Inner Side of the Lower Limbs
Scraping the outer side of the lower limbs from top to bottom, from the Huan Tiao (Jumping Circle) point to the Xue Yang Guan (Knee Yang Gate) point, and from the Yang Ling Quan (Yang Mound Spring) point to the Xuan Zhong (Suspended Bell) point.
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