Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) massage therapy, known as Tui Na (推拿), utilizes various massage techniques to adjust bodily functions, promote the flow of qi (气) and blood, relax muscles and tendons, and alleviate or improve diseases. Mastering the basic massage techniques is crucial, and here we share some essential methods.
—— Thirteen Massage Techniques ——
Pressing Technique (按法)
Method: Apply pressure with the base of the palm, thumb, or elbow directly onto the treatment area, pressing down vertically. Often combined with kneading, this is referred to as “press and knead” (按揉).
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.
Kneading Technique (揉法)
Method:
① Finger Kneading: Use the fingertips to perform circular kneading motions on acupoints, applicable to various body parts.
② Palm Kneading: Use the palm to perform circular kneading motions on acupoints, suitable for the lower back and abdomen.
③ Thenar Kneading: Use the thenar eminence to perform circular kneading motions on acupoints, effective for 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 guide the wrist and palm in palm kneading. ② Ensure the pressure is focused on the acupoint, engaging deeper tissues. ③ Maintain even pressure with coordinated and rhythmic movements.
Pushing Technique (推法)
Method:
① Palm Pushing: Use the palm to apply pressure on the treatment area, pushing in a single direction along a straight line, suitable for the back, chest, abdomen, and lower limbs.
② Finger Pushing: Use the fingers to apply pressure on the treatment area, pushing in a single direction along a straight line, effective for tendon areas.
③ Thumb Spreading: Place the radial sides of both thumbs on the forehead, pushing outward from the midline.
Key Points:
① Ensure the pressure point is in contact with the skin, applying moderate pressure that is neither too light nor too heavy. ② When pushing, the fingers should lead, with the palm base following. ③ Maintain a steady speed.
Rubbing Technique (摩法)
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 Keep the upper limb and wrist relaxed, lightly resting on the acupoint. ② Movements should be gentle and coordinated, applying light pressure and slow speed.
Wiping Technique (擦法)
Method:
① Palm Wiping: Use the palm to perform rapid back-and-forth linear wiping motions, suitable for the lower back, limbs, and shoulders.
② Thenar Wiping: Use the thenar eminence to perform rapid back-and-forth linear wiping motions, effective for the upper limbs and neck-shoulder area.
Key Points:
① Ensure the wiping motion is straight and not slanted. ② Maintain contact with the skin, applying moderate pressure. ③ Movements should be continuous, with a fast and even speed, maximizing the distance of the back-and-forth motion.
Grasping Technique (拿法)
Method: Use the thumb and the other four fingers in opposition 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 and 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 fluid, with pressure gradually increasing.
Pinching Technique (捏法)
Method:
① Three-Finger Pinching: With both wrists slightly extended, place the thumb horizontally against the skin, and use the index and middle fingers to pinch the skin in a forward motion, alternating hands as you progress.
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 use the thumb to pinch the skin in a forward motion, alternating hands as you progress.
Key Points:
① Pinch in a straight line, avoiding slanting. ② Ensure the skin is pinched with appropriate tightness.
Striking Technique (击法)
Method: Use the fingertips to rhythmically strike the body surface, effective for the head.
Key Points: ① Keep the wrist relaxed, allowing the elbow to drive the wrist’s free movement. ② Striking should be elastic and rhythmic.
Pointing Technique (点法)
Method: Apply pressure with the fingertip, maintaining continuous pressure on acupoints, or apply momentary force.
Key Points: Maintain a specific posture with the fingers to avoid overstretching or bending, which could cause injury.
Rubbing Technique (搓法)
Method: Use both hands to grasp the limb and apply opposing forces, performing rapid rubbing motions in opposite directions while moving up and down, suitable for the upper limbs.
Key Points: ① Ensure symmetrical force. ② Rubbing should be fast, while movement should be slow.
Twisting Technique (捻法)
Method: Use the textured surface of the thumb and the radial edge of the index finger to grasp the treatment area, performing rapid 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 motion, with the thumb assisting. ③ Movements should be coherent.
Patting Technique (拍法)
Method: Keep the fingers together and slightly bent, using the forearm to freely flex and extend the wrist, allowing the fingers to strike first, followed by the wrist; then raise the wrist first, followed by the fingers, patting the body surface with a relaxed palm.
Key Points: ① Ensure the palm is relaxed while patting. ② The wrist should move freely, and the elbow should flex freely. ③ Hands can work together.
Vibrating Technique (振法)
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 Ensure the pressure point is in contact with the skin. ② The frequency should be fast, approximately 200-300 vibrations per minute.
WeChat push rules have been revised, and I don’t want to miss out. Click [View] to see me below 👇