13 Techniques of Massage
1
Pressing Technique (An Fa)
Method: Use the base of the palm, the root of the thumb, or the elbow tip to apply pressure vertically downwards on the treatment area. Often combined with kneading, referred to as “An Rou” (Press and Knead).
Key Points: ① Gradually increase pressure while pressing. ② When working on the back, press down in sync with the recipient’s exhalation, applying force momentarily.
2
Kneading Technique (Rou Fa)
Method:
① Finger Kneading: Use the fingertips to perform circular kneading on acupoints, applicable to all body parts.
② Palm Kneading: Use the palm to perform circular kneading on acupoints, suitable for the lower back and abdomen.
③ Thenar Kneading: Use the thenar eminence to perform circular kneading on acupoints, applicable to the face.
Key Points:
① Use the proximal part of the limb to drive the distal part in small circular motions, such as using the forearm to move the wrist and palm for palm kneading.
② The pressure point should be firmly on the acupoint, engaging deeper tissues. ③ Maintain even pressure, with coordinated and rhythmic movements.
3
Pushing Technique (Tui Fa)
Method:
① Palm Pushing: Use the palm to apply pressure on the treatment area, performing linear pushes in one direction, suitable for the back, chest, abdomen, and lower limbs.
② Finger Pushing: Use the fingers to apply pressure on the treatment area, performing linear pushes in one direction, suitable for tendon areas.
③ Thumb Spreading: Place the radial side of both thumbs on the forehead, pushing outward from the midline of the forehead.
Key Points:
① The pressure point should be close to the skin, with moderate pressure, ensuring it is light yet firm.
② When pushing, the fingers should be in front, with the palm base behind. ③ Maintain a steady speed.
4
Rubbing Technique (Mo Fa)
Method: Use the palm or the surfaces of the fingers (index, middle, ring, and little fingers) to rub the treatment area, moving in circular motions either clockwise or counterclockwise.
Key Points: ① Relax the upper limb and wrist, lightly resting on the acupoint. ② Movements should be gentle and coordinated, with light pressure and slow speed.
5
Wiping Technique (Ca Fa)
Method:
① Palm Wiping: Use the palm to perform rapid back-and-forth wiping motions on the treatment area, suitable for the lower back, limbs, and shoulders.
② Thenar Wiping: Use the thenar eminence to perform rapid back-and-forth wiping motions on the treatment area, suitable for the upper limbs and neck-shoulder area.
Key Points: ① Wiping should be done in a straight line, avoiding slanting. ② The pressure point should be close to the skin, with moderate pressure. ③ Movements should be continuous, with a steady and fast speed, maximizing the distance of the back-and-forth motion.
6
Grasping Technique (Na Fa)
Method: Use the thumb and the other four fingers to apply rhythmic pinching on the treatment area, often combined with other techniques, suitable for the neck, shoulders, and limbs.
Key Points:
① Relax the forearm, keeping the palm light. ② When pinching, the direction should be perpendicular to the muscle belly, primarily using the metacarpophalangeal joints, with the interphalangeal joints remaining still.
③ Movements should be smooth, with pressure gradually increasing from light to heavy.
7
Pinching Technique (Nie Fa)
Method:
① Three-Finger Pinching: With both wrists slightly extended, place the thumb against the skin, and the index and middle fingers on the skin in front of the thumb, pinching the skin with three fingers while alternating movements.
② Two-Finger Pinching: With both wrists slightly ulnar deviated, place the radial side of the middle phalanx of the index finger against the skin, and the thumb in front of the index finger on the skin, pinching the skin with the thumb and index finger while alternating movements.
Key Points:
① Pinch in a straight line, avoiding slanting. ② The tightness of the skin during pinching should be appropriate.
8
Striking Technique (Ji Fa)
Method: Use the fingertips to rhythmically strike the body surface, suitable for the head.
Key Points: ① Relax the wrist, allowing the elbow to drive the wrist’s free movement. ② Striking should be elastic and rhythmic.
9
Pointing Technique (Dian Fa)
Method: Use the fingertip to apply sustained pressure on acupoints, which can also be applied momentarily.
Key Points: Maintain a certain posture with the finger pressure, avoiding excessive extension or flexion of the fingers to prevent injury.
10
Rubbing Technique (Cuo Fa)
Method: Use both hands to grasp the limb with opposing force, performing rapid rubbing motions in opposite directions while moving up and down, suitable for the upper limbs.
Key Points: ① Apply symmetrical force. ② Rubbing should be fast, while movement should be slow.
11
Twisting Technique (Nian Fa)
Method: Use the textured surface of the thumb and the radial edge of the index finger to grasp the treatment area, performing rapid up-and-down twisting motions, suitable for the fingers and ears.
Key Points: ① Twisting should be fast, while movement should be slow. ② The index finger should primarily drive the movement, with the thumb assisting. ③ Movements should be coherent.
12
Patting Technique (Pai Fa)
Method: With fingers together and slightly bent, use the forearm to freely flex the wrist, allowing the fingers to strike first, followed by the wrist; when lifting, the wrist raises first, followed by the fingers, patting the body surface lightly.
Key Points: ① Ensure it is a light pat. ② The wrist should move freely, and the elbow should flex freely. ③ Can be performed with both hands together.
13
Vibrating Technique (Zhen Fa)
Method: ① Palm Vibrating: Place the palm on a specific area, performing continuous, rapid up-and-down vibrations, suitable for the abdomen and lower back. ② Finger Vibrating: Use the tips of the index and middle fingers on acupoints, performing continuous, rapid up-and-down vibrations.
Key Points: ① The pressure point should be close to the skin. ② The frequency should be fast, approximately 200-300 vibrations per minute.
