The technique of hand acupuncture refers to a method of needling specific areas of the hand to treat diseases. This technique is based on the theory of biological holography, which projects the internal organs and tissues onto specific areas of the hand. By stimulating the corresponding reflex zones, it aims to adjust the internal organs and prevent or treat diseases. Clinically, it is commonly used to treat various acute pain conditions (such as acute lumbar sprain, headache, stomach pain, dysmenorrhea, sciatica, etc.) and has shown good results for conditions like postpartum lactation deficiency, nocturnal enuresis in children, bronchitis, asthma, arrhythmia, and skin pruritus.
1
Common Tools and Basic Operation Methods
(1)
Commonly Used Needles
The main type of needle used is the filiform needle with a diameter of 0.35mm and a length of 15-25mm.
(2)
Point Selection Method
1Basic Holographic Diagram of Hand Acupuncture
The framework of the holographic diagram of hand acupuncture is represented by the hand-shaped needle, which suggests that there are several different human-shaped acupuncture zones on the hand. These zones conform to the characteristics of biological holography, with the commonly used diagrams being the longitudinal and transverse holographic representations of the hand.
The longitudinal holographic representation resembles a prone human figure. The middle finger represents the head and neck, the index and ring fingers represent the upper limbs, while the thumb and little finger represent the lower limbs, with the third metacarpal representing the spine. The remaining body organs are arranged accordingly. The organs on the yang side of the body are referred to as the hand伏象 (shou fu xiang) in Fang’s hand-shaped needle theory. Similarly, the organs on the yin side of the body are referred to as the hand伏脏 (shou fu zang). An example of the hand伏象 is shown (see Figure 1).
The transverse holographic representation: When the index and little fingers are extended forward while the thumb, middle finger, and ring finger are retracted, a preliminary form of the “holographic human figure” is obtained: the radial head and the first metacarpal represent the head, the index finger represents the upper limb, and the little finger represents the lower limb, with the palm surface and back of the hand representing the inner and outer sides of the trunk, respectively. The outer side is referred to as the transverse伏象 (heng fu xiang), while the inner side is referred to as the transverse伏脏 (heng fu zang). An example of the transverse伏象 is shown (see Figure 2).
2Main Stimulation Areas
(1) Cough and Asthma Point: Located on the palm side, at the ulnar side of the index finger’s metacarpophalangeal joint.
(2) Nocturnal Enuresis Point: Located at the midpoint of the transverse line of the second joint of the little finger on the palm side.
(3) Heart Point: Located above the transverse line between the second and third metacarpals on the palm side.
(4) Gastrointestinal Point: Located at the midpoint of the line connecting the Laogong (劳宫) point and the Daling (大陵) point.
(5) Itch Relief Point: Located on the ulnar side of the palm, 1 inch from the ulnar edge of the wrist crease, at the red-white flesh junction.
(6) Lung Point: Located on the palm side, at the midpoint of the transverse line between the first and second phalanges of the little finger.
(7) Sciatic Nerve Point: Located between the metacarpophalangeal joints of the fourth and fifth fingers, near the fourth finger’s metacarpophalangeal joint.
(8) Sleep Point: On the back of the hand, at the midpoint of the line connecting the Hegu (合谷) point and the Sanjian (三间) point.
(9) Lumbar and Leg Point: On the back of the hand, at the radial side of the second finger’s extensor tendon and the ulnar side of the fourth finger’s extensor tendon, 1.5 inches from the wrist crease.
(10) Shoulder Point: On the back of the hand, located at the distal end of the second metacarpal and the proximal end of the index finger’s phalanx, with 2 points on each side.
(11) Vertex Point: Located at the radial side of the first joint of the middle finger at the red-white flesh junction.
(12) Perineum Point: Located at the radial side of the first joint of the little finger at the red-white flesh junction.
(13) Occipital Point (also known as the Tonsil Point): Located at the ulnar side of the first joint of the little finger at the red-white flesh junction.
(14) Heel Point: Located at the midpoint of the line connecting the Gastrointestinal Point and the Daling Point.
(15) Forehead Point: Located at the radial side of the first joint of the index finger at the red-white flesh junction.
3Hand Acupuncture Point Selection and Formulation
There are mainly 4 methods for selecting hand acupuncture points.
(1) Local Point Selection: Selecting corresponding hand points based on the location of the disease or organ. For example, for eye diseases, select the Eye Point; for shoulder pain, select the Shoulder Point; for lumbar sprains, select the Lumbar and Leg Point, etc.
(2) Corresponding Point Selection: Selecting corresponding hand points for certain symptoms, such as selecting the Cough and Asthma Point for cough and asthma, or the Nocturnal Enuresis Point for nocturnal enuresis in children.
(3) Traditional TCM Theory Point Selection: Selecting points based on traditional theories of organs and meridians, such as selecting the Heart Point for insomnia, as the heart governs the spirit; or selecting the Heel Point for urinary and reproductive diseases.
(4) Comprehensive Point Selection: Combining multiple point selection methods. For example, for skin pruritus, one can select the Itch Relief Point based on symptoms and the Lung Point based on TCM theory that the lung governs the skin, forming a treatment formula.
Generally, it is advisable to select 1-3 points for hand acupuncture treatment. This technique primarily uses points on the same side; if the left side is affected, select left-side points; if the right side is affected, select right-side points; for bilateral issues or internal organ diseases, points on both sides can be selected.
(3)
Basic Operation Methods
1Needling Method
(1) General Needling Method: Have the patient’s hand in a naturally bent position, hold the filiform needle vertically against the surface of the palm, and insert it directly into the acupuncture point without penetrating the periosteum, with a depth of 2-5mm being appropriate. This method is suitable for most hand points.
(2) Special Needling Method: This method varies depending on the acupuncture point. For the Lumbar and Leg Point, the patient is asked to slightly clench their fist, with the wrist in a dorsiflexed position. The needle should be at a 45° angle to the skin surface, with the tip directed slightly towards the palm, inserted between the extensor tendon and the metacarpal, with a depth of about 10mm. For the Sciatic Nerve Point, first insert the needle straight to a depth of about 5mm until it touches the periosteum (the needle tip has noticeable resistance, and the patient feels a strong sensation), leave the needle for 1-3 seconds, then withdraw the needle and insert it obliquely upwards until it reaches the periosteum.
2Manipulation Method
Generally, a small amplitude twisting method is used. For painful conditions, larger amplitude twisting combined with strong stimulation techniques of lifting and thrusting should be employed, continuing for 2-3 minutes, and the patient should be encouraged to move the painful area or perform local massage; after the pain subsides, continue the manipulation for another 1-3 minutes.
3Retention Time
The retention time for hand acupuncture is 5-15 minutes, and for painful conditions, the retention time can be appropriately extended. For some diseases, a discontinuous retention method can be used, such as for treating insomnia with the Sleep Point, first inserting the needle straight to 15mm, twisting for 2 minutes, retaining for 2 minutes, then twisting for another 2 minutes before retaining again.
4Treatment Course
Hand acupuncture for acute diseases can be performed 1-2 times daily without a set treatment course; for chronic diseases, it can be done daily or every other day, with 10 sessions constituting a treatment course.
2
Common Diseases Treated with Hand Acupuncture Techniques
(1)
Acute Lumbar Sprain
Characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the lumbar region, limited movement, and often maintaining a specific posture to reduce pain. Patients are often young adults with a history of lumbar sprains. This condition is usually due to local damage to the skin, muscles, and tendons, leading to obstruction of the meridians and stagnation of qi and blood, resulting in pain. Diagnosis is based on the “Standards for Diagnosis and Efficacy of TCM Diseases” issued by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1994.
[Treatment Principles] Relax the muscles, unblock the meridians, and relieve pain.
[Operation Steps] Select the Lumbar and Leg Point on the same side for needling. Use a 25mm filiform needle, inserting it at a 45° angle to the skin surface, with the tip directed towards the palm, inserted between the extensor tendon and the metacarpal to a depth of about 10mm. The sensation of soreness and distension at the acupuncture point is the standard. The patient can also be instructed to twist their waist to assist the effect of the needle, retaining the needle for 15 minutes. Treatment is performed once daily.
(2)
Shoulder Adhesion (Shoulder Periarthritis)
This condition is characterized by pain around the shoulder, accompanied by functional impairment of the shoulder joint, with pain often worsening at night and frequently triggered by changes in weather or fatigue. Physical examination reveals muscle atrophy around the shoulder, tenderness in the front, back, and outer sides of the shoulder, and significant limitation of abduction. This condition commonly occurs in individuals around 50 years of age, with a higher incidence in females, particularly among manual laborers. It is often caused by external injuries to the muscles and bones, insufficient qi and blood, and invasion of wind, cold, and dampness. Diagnosis is based on the “Standards for Diagnosis and Efficacy of TCM Diseases” issued by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1994.
[Treatment Principles] Relax the muscles, activate the meridians, and relieve pain.
[Operation Steps] The main acupuncture point is the Shoulder Point (the shoulder area of the hand伏象), using a 15mm filiform needle for direct insertion to a depth of 10mm, retaining the needle for 15 minutes. Treatment is performed 3 times a week, with a course lasting 2 weeks.
(3)
Headache (Primary Headache)
This condition is characterized by pain in the head, which can be caused by various external and internal factors leading to dysfunction of the meridians, qi and blood imbalance, or insufficient nourishment of the brain. Diagnosis is based on the “Standards for Diagnosis and Efficacy of TCM Diseases” issued by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1994.
[Treatment Principles] Relieve spasms, unblock the meridians, and dispel wind to relieve pain.
[Operation Steps] Use a 15mm filiform needle to directly insert into the corresponding area of the head on the hand伏象 to a depth of 10mm. If there is qi deficiency, additional needles can be inserted directly into the top of the transverse伏象, retaining the needle for 15 minutes. Treatment is performed 3 times a week, with a course lasting 2 weeks.
(4)
Dysmenorrhea (Primary Dysmenorrhea)
Dysmenorrhea refers to pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen during or before and after menstruation, affecting normal life or work. This condition is often caused by emotional disturbances, qi stagnation, and blood stasis; or by external invasion of cold and dampness affecting the uterus, leading to poor circulation of qi and blood; or by deficiency of liver and kidney, resulting in insufficient nourishment of the uterus. Diagnosis is based on the “Standards for Diagnosis and Efficacy of TCM Diseases” issued by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1994.
[Treatment Principles] Regulate qi, invigorate blood, and relieve pain.
[Operation Steps] The main point is the Perineum Point, with the Occipital Point and Heel Point as supplementary points. All points are treated with a 15mm filiform needle for direct insertion, with a depth of about 5mm. The Perineum Point and Occipital Point can be inserted deeper to reach the periosteum, where there should be a sense of resistance, while the Heel Point should avoid the periosteum and blood vessels, retaining the needle for 15 minutes. Treatment is performed 3 times a week, with a course lasting 1 month.
(5)
Insomnia (Primary Insomnia)
Insomnia is characterized by the inability to achieve normal sleep, which may manifest as difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, or early waking, and in severe cases, sleeplessness throughout the night. This condition is often due to emotional disturbances or excessive thinking and fatigue, leading to internal damage to the heart and spleen, resulting in insufficient nourishment of the heart spirit; or due to disharmony between the heart and kidney, with excessive heart fire; or due to food stagnation, leading to discomfort during sleep. Diagnosis is based on the “Standards for Diagnosis and Efficacy of TCM Diseases” issued by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1994. This technique is applicable to various patterns of this disease.
[Treatment Principles] Calm the spirit and assist sleep.
[Operation Steps] Use the Sleep Point as the main point, with the Forehead Point and Occipital Point as supplementary points. All points are treated with a 15mm filiform needle for direct insertion, with a depth of about 10mm. Retain the needle for 15 minutes, treating 3 times a week, with a course lasting 1 month. If necessary, body acupuncture can be combined to enhance efficacy.
3
Contraindications
1. Patients with local skin lesions or infections.
2. Patients who are mentally tense, fatigued, or weak.
3. Patients with blood disorders and bleeding tendencies.
4. Pregnant women.
4
Precautions
1. The sensation from hand acupuncture is generally stronger than that from body acupuncture, so it is advisable to fully explain this to the patient before treatment to avoid fainting.
2. When needling hand points, especially when inserting obliquely along the periosteum, care should be taken to avoid damaging the periosteum, so gentle techniques should be employed.
3. Strict disinfection is required to prevent infection.
4. The hand has a rich vascular supply, so gentle techniques should be used to avoid causing hematomas in the palm.
Source: Internet
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