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Definition
The technique of acupoint massage (jingxue tuina) involves applying various methods such as pressing, point pressing, pushing, and tapping on the meridians and acupoints, which can relieve pain, regulate gastrointestinal function, and warm the meridians.
Applicable Scope
Applicable to various acute and chronic pain conditions caused by diseases, such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, low back pain, dysmenorrhea, as well as symptoms like insomnia and constipation.
Assessment
1. Patient history and environment, ensuring patient privacy and safety.
2. Main symptoms, past medical history, pregnancy status, or menstrual period.
3. Skin condition of the area to be treated.
4. Pain tolerance level.
Informing the Patient
1. Local soreness may occur during and after the massage; inform the practitioner if discomfort arises.
2. Keep the treated area warm before and after the massage, and drink warm water.
Massage Techniques
1. Point Pressing Method: Using the fingertip or the flexed interphalangeal joint to apply pressure on the treatment area continuously, known as the point pressing method.
2. Rubbing Method: Applying a certain amount of pressure on the treatment area, causing the subcutaneous tissue to move in a circular motion.
3. Tapping Method: Using a specific part of the hand or a special instrument to repeatedly tap on the treatment area, known as tapping techniques.
Common Disease Treatment Areas and Acupoints
Head and Face: Acupoints include Yintang (印堂), Taiyang (太阳), Touwei (头维), Cuanzhu (攒竹), Shangjingming (上睛明), Yuwai (鱼腰), Sizhukong (丝竹空), Sibai (四白), etc.
Neck and Shoulder: Acupoints include Fengchi (风池), Fengfu (风府), Jianjing (肩井), Tianzhu (天柱), Dazhui (大椎), etc.
Chest and Abdomen: Acupoints include Tiantu (天突), Shanzhong (膻中), Zhongwan (中脘), Xiawan (下脘), Qihai (气海), Guanyuan (关元), Tianshu (天枢), etc.
Lower Back: Acupoints include Feishu (肺俞), Shenfu (肾俞), Xinyu (心俞), Geyu (膈俞), Huatuojiaji (华佗夹脊), Dachangyu (大肠俞), Mingmen (命门), Yaoyangguan (腰阳关), etc.
Shoulders and Upper Limbs: Acupoints include Jianyu (肩髃), Jianzheng (肩贞), Shousanli (手三里), Tianzong (天宗), Quchi (曲池), Jiquan (极泉), Xiaohai (小海), Neiguan (内关), Hegu (合谷), etc.
Hips and Lower Limbs: Acupoints include Huantiao (环跳), Julao (居醪), Fengshi (风市), Weizhong (委中), Kunlun (昆仑), Zusanli (足三里), Yanglingquan (阳陵泉), Liangqiu (梁丘), Xuehai (血海), Xiyan (膝眼), etc.
Operational Methods
Thumb Point Pressing Method
① Hold a fist, extend the thumb straight and press it against the middle segment of the index finger, applying pressure with the thumb on the treatment area or acupoint.
② The forearm and thumb actively exert force, applying continuous point pressure. The thumb pressing method can also be used to apply continuous point pressure.
Flexed Thumb Point Pressing Method
① Flex the thumb, applying pressure with the radial side of the interphalangeal joint on the treatment area or acupoint, with the thumb tip pressing against the radial side of the middle segment of the index finger for support.
② The forearm and thumb actively exert force, applying continuous point pressure.
Flexed Index Finger Point Pressing Method
① Flex the index finger, clasping the other fingers, applying pressure with the first interphalangeal joint of the index finger on the treatment area or acupoint, with the thumb tip pressing against the ulnar side of the index fingernail for support.
② The forearm and index finger actively exert force, applying continuous point pressure.
Thumb Rubbing Method
① Apply pressure with the textured surface of the thumb on the treatment area, causing the subcutaneous tissue to move in a circular motion.
② Place the textured surface of the thumb on the treatment area, with the other four fingers positioned appropriately for support, keeping the wrist slightly flexed or straight, and actively move the thumb in a circular motion, causing the skin and subcutaneous tissue to move, operating at a rate of 120-160 times per minute.
Middle Finger Rubbing Method
① Apply pressure with the textured surface of the middle finger on the treatment area, causing the subcutaneous tissue to move in a circular motion.
② Keep the middle finger’s interphalangeal joint straight, with the metacarpophalangeal joint slightly flexed, applying pressure with the textured surface of the middle finger on the treatment area, while the forearm actively moves to create gentle, flexible, small circular motions at a rate of 120-160 times per minute.
③ To enhance the rubbing force, the textured surface of the index finger can be placed on the dorsal side of the middle finger’s distal interphalangeal joint, or the ring finger’s textured surface can be placed on the dorsal side of the middle finger’s distal fingertip joint.
Palmar Base Rubbing Method
① Apply pressure with the base of the palm on the treatment area, causing the subcutaneous tissue to move in a circular motion.
② Keep the elbow slightly flexed, the wrist relaxed and slightly extended, with fingers naturally bent, applying the base of the palm on the treatment area, while the forearm actively moves to create small circular motions, operating at a rate of 120-160 times per minute.
Tapping Method
① Using a specific part of the hand or a special instrument to repeatedly tap on the treatment area, known as tapping techniques.
② When performing various tapping methods, the force should be decisive and quick, lifting the hand immediately after striking, with a brief tapping duration.
③ During tapping, the wrist should maintain a certain posture while remaining relaxed, using controlled elastic force to tap, ensuring the technique is both forceful and comfortable, avoiding violent strikes to prevent unnecessary injury.
Precautions
1. Caution is advised for patients with tumors or infections, and acupoint massage techniques should be avoided in the abdominal area during menstruation; prohibited in the abdominal area during pregnancy.
2. Nails should be trimmed before the procedure to prevent skin injury to the patient.
3. The force applied during the procedure should be moderate.
4. During the procedure, ensure warmth and protect patient privacy.
5. Tapping techniques should be avoided in patients with severe cardiovascular diseases, and used with caution in patients with heart bypass surgery.
Key Points of Massage Techniques
When facing a condition, know both yourself and the patient;
Technique comes from the heart, and methods have their order;
Gather energy and be cautious, balancing hardness and softness;
Two light and one heavy, speed and pressure vary by individual.
Source: Rheumatology and Immunology Department, Ward 5, Zhong Yaling
Reviewed by: Rheumatology and Immunology Department, Ward 5, Zhang Wei
Edited by: Publicity Department, Jiang Linyi
Reviewed by: Publicity Department, Sun Lei
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