Pressing Method / An Fa Flashcards
What is the Finger Pressing Method?
involves pressing acupuncture points, or certain locations of the body, with the tips of fingers, or flexed finger-joints (knuckles) with gradual increasing force.
The force should be consecutive and penetrative.
What is the Chinese term for finger pressing method?
Dian Fa
Where is DIAN FA applied on the body?
Apply to any acupuncture points
• Apply along the lines of meridians
• Press method can be applied virtually anywhere on the body e.g. head, shoulders,
back, neck, upper and lower limbs, abdomen, stomach
What are its effects?
What are the effects of DIAN FA?
- Dispels anxiety
- Relaxes and strengthens muscles and tendons
- Relieves muscle pains and spasms
- Clears meridians, and regulates qi and blood flow in the meridians
- Mobilizes joints
- Regulates functions of the internal organs
- Calms the mind
What can it assist in treating?
- General muscular aches and pains • Insomnia
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Feelings of fullness and oppression in the chest • Joint pain
What are the An Fa mechanics?
Thumb to the point: push using qi and breath, maintain pressure for 3 mins.
Palm: Palm on patients belly, push using qi and breath through to PC8 and change pressure with patients breath.
Where should An Fa be used?
Anywhere on the body to stimulate the channels and points.
What is the clinical usage of An Fa?
Tonify & strengthen channels, vital substances & Zang Fu, calm Shen, dispel anxiety and relax & strengthen muscles & tendons
Slow, gentle-moderate pressure for >3 mins
Relieve pain, spasm and stasis and help to adjust & realign joints
Deep for >3 mins
Move & disperse stagnant Qi & Blood
Quick, rhythmic pressing & releasing
Warm channels, regulate Qi & Blood & functions of Zang Fu
Applied on course of channel – moderate pace/pressure
Aid digestion & remove food retention
Applied on abdomen
What are the indications of An Fa?
Insomnia Anxiety Headaches Digestive disorders Respiratory disorders Menstrual disorders Fertility problems General muscular aches Pains & stiffness Trauma Bi syndrome & joint misalignment
What is the Supressing Method? Ya Fa?
A stronger, more intense version of pressing (an fa).
Use the elbow, forearm, knees and heels.
Gives strong, persistent stimulation.
Used on large muscular areas, e.g. GB30.
What are the mechanics of Ya Fa?
Elbow: choose a GB/BL point, ground. Lean in with elbow tip. Work with patients breath.
Forearm: Lean in with ulnar side, hold for approx 3 mins.
Where should you use Ya Fa?
Large muscle groups & deep points
Back, Buttocks & Legs
What are the functions of Ya Fa?
Removes channel obstruction Relaxes spasm Relieves pain Moves stagnant Qi & Blood Expels Wind, disperses Cold, drains Damp from Channels Dredges channels Subdues rising Liver Yang
What are the indications of Ya Fa?
Back pain due to Wind Cold Damp Bi Syndrome or sciatica
Back Shu & Huato Jia ji stimulation
Congested, tender BL & GB channels on the legs
Middle jiao disharmony/Liver Yang Rising (e.g. digestive problems, belching, dizziness, headache, migraine)
Emotional stress and depression (release supressed emotions that are stored in the tissues)
Use forearm over Liver, Stomach & Spleen Back Shu points
What is the finger pressing method (Dian Fa)?
A digital striking technique from the Wushu martial arts school.
Strong fingers and arms are helpful for this technique.
A dissipative technique that reverberates to the deepest layers of the body breaking up stagnation.
Applied to points, joints and channels.
Finger Pressing (dian fa) is similar to Pressing (An fa).
