wks 1, 2 - hand techniques Flashcards
what are benefits of Hammering?
- breaks stagnation
- strongly moves qi & blood
- note: this is the heaviest but least precise percussive technique
how do you perform Pushing?
- face the same direction of movement
- body is behind the action, pushing forward w/ strong force & returning lightly
- create a wave of qi & blood that moves ahead of you
what are benefits of Pushing?
- moves qi & blood
- acts at tendinomuscular level
- warms & dredges channels
where on the body can you use Pushing?
- can be used in many areas
- commonly used on back, legs, IT band
how do you perform Pressing?
- press using palm, finger, thumb, knuckle, or elbow
- slowly sink into the tissue to the desired level
- pressure should change with patient’s & practitioner’s breath (go deeper on their exhale, and lighter on their inhale)
- listen with your hands to determine the appropriate amount of force needed to relax tight tissue
what are the benefits of Pressing?
- disperses stagnation
- relaxes spasms
- stimulates acupuncture points (light press is tonifying; hard press is dispersive)
where on the body can you use Pressing?
- commonly done at acupoints, back, anywhere
- use less pressure at the lumbar area
how do you perform Rolling?
- like rolling dough with a rolling pin
- use hand like a cylinder: contact surface is the back of hand
- slightly extend the index finger’s proximal joint to increase surface area of back of hand
- create wave that pushes forward and inward
- use other hand as a helper if needed
where on body can you use Rolling?
back, buttock, thigh, shoulder
what are benefits of Rolling?
- acts at level of superficial muscles
- moves qi & blood
- separates adhesions
- warms channels
- relieves spasm & pain
how do you perform Hammering?
- use loose fist to make rhythmic percussions
- create vibrations that move outward from point of contact
how do you perform Round Rubbing?
- use thumb, fingertip, or palm
- rub rhythmically in a circular manner with even & moderate force
- make wave of qi & blood in front of you
what are benefits of Round Rubbing?
affects skin, muscle, and tendon
where on body can you use Round Rubbing?
- can be done anywhere
- commonly used at traps, forearm, small joints, abdomen