Illustrated Guide to 13 Massage Techniques in Traditional Chinese Medicine

1. Pressing Technique

Method: Use the base of the palm, the root of the thumb, or the elbow tip to apply pressure vertically on the treatment area. Often combined with kneading, referred to as “press-knead”.

Key Points: ① Gradually increase pressure while pressing. ② When applied to the back, press down in sync with the recipient’s exhalation, applying force momentarily.

2. Kneading Technique

Method: ① Finger Kneading: Use the fingertips to perform circular kneading on acupoints, applicable to various 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 placed on the acupoint, engaging deeper tissues. ③ Maintain even pressure, with coordinated and rhythmic movements.

3. Pushing Technique

Method: ① Palm Pushing: Use the palm to apply linear pressure in one direction on the treatment area, suitable for the back, chest, abdomen, and lower limbs. ② Finger Pushing: Use the fingers to apply linear pressure in one direction on the treatment area, suitable for tendons. ③ Thumb Spreading: Place the radial side of both thumbs on the forehead, pushing outward from the midline.

Key Points: ① The pressure point should be in close contact with the skin, with moderate pressure, ensuring it is light yet firm. ② When pushing, the fingers should lead, with the palm base following. ③ Maintain a steady speed.

4. Rubbing Technique

Method: Use the palm or the surfaces of the fingers (index, middle, ring, and little fingers) to rub the treatment area in a circular motion, either clockwise or counterclockwise, using the wrist joint along with the forearm.

Key Points: ① Keep the upper limb and wrist relaxed, lightly resting on the acupoint. ② Movements should be gentle and coordinated, with light pressure and slow speed.

5. Scraping Technique

Method: ① Palm Scraping: Use the palm to perform rapid back-and-forth linear scraping on the treatment area, suitable for the lower back, limbs, and shoulders. ② Thenar Scraping: Use the thenar eminence to perform rapid back-and-forth linear scraping on the treatment area, suitable for the upper limbs and neck-shoulder area.

Key Points: ① Scraping should be done in a straight line, avoiding any slanting. ② The pressure point should be in close contact with the skin, with moderate pressure. ③ Movements should be continuous, with a steady and fast speed, maximizing the back-and-forth distance.

6. Pinching Technique

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 Keep the forearm relaxed, with the palm empty.

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. Kneading Technique

Method:

① Three-Finger Kneading: With both wrists slightly extended, place the thumb horizontally against the skin, and use the index and middle fingers to pinch the skin in front of the thumb, alternating while advancing. ② Two-Finger Kneading: With both wrists slightly ulnar deviated, place the radial side of the middle phalanx of the index finger against the skin, and use the thumb to pinch the skin in front of the index finger, alternating while advancing.

Key Points: ① Knead in a straight line, avoiding any slanting. ② The tightness of the skin during kneading should be appropriate.

8. Tapping Technique

Method: Use the fingertips to rhythmically and continuously tap the body surface, suitable for the head.

Key Points: ① Keep the wrist relaxed, allowing the elbow joint to drive the wrist joint freely. ② Tapping should be elastic and rhythmic.

9. Pointing Technique

Method: Use the fingertip to apply sustained pressure on acupoints, which can also be applied momentarily.

Key Points: Maintain a certain posture with the fingers, avoiding excessive extension or flexion to prevent injury.

10. Rubbing Technique

Method: Use both hands to grasp the limb with opposing force, performing rapid rubbing 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

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, suitable for the fingers and ears.

Key Points: ① Twisting should be fast, while movement should be slow. ② The movement should primarily involve the index finger, with the thumb assisting. ③ Movements should be coherent.

12. Slapping Technique

Method: With fingers together and slightly bent, use the forearm to freely flex and extend the wrist joint, allowing the fingers to fall first, followed by the wrist; when lifting, the wrist raises first, followed by the fingers, using a soft palm to slap the body surface.

Key Points: ① Ensure it is a soft palm slap. ② The wrist joint should move freely, and the elbow joint should flex freely. ③ Can be performed with both hands together.

13. Vibrating Technique

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 in close contact with the skin. ② The frequency should be fast, approximately 200-300 vibrations per minute.

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