Chinese Therapies - Week 3 - B
Overview of CMTH111 Tui Na Methods
Course Information
Course Title: CMTH111
Session: Week 3B
Department: Chinese Medicine Department, Endeavour College of Natural Health
Session Objectives
Review the six branches of Tui Na and the twenty-four Tui Na techniques including:
Kneading (Rou Fa)
Pushing (Tui Fa)
Grasping (Na Fa)
Introduction to the eight principles in channel theory.
Review
Review Questions:
What are the six branches of Tui Na?
Which branch does each of the following techniques fall under?
Kneading (Rou Fa)
Pushing (Tui Fa)
Grasping (Na Fa)
How and where is each technique used?
What are the functions and methods of each technique?
Eight Principles in Channel Theory
The Eight Principles Defined
Interior / Exterior
Related to the classification of diseases affecting either interior organs or exterior channels.
Hot / Cold
Differences in temperature or energetic qualities of a condition.
Full / Empty (Excess / Deficiency)
Full indicates excess conditions, while empty indicates deficiency of Qi, Blood, or Yang.
Yin / Yang
Energy dynamics that define the characteristics of health states.
References
Maciocia (2015, p. 452)
Channel Diagnosis
Interior/Exterior Channel Diagnosis
Interior Organs: Refers to the deeper organs of the body pertinent to internal health issues.
Exterior Channels: Involves potential factors affecting outer areas, often indicating surface-level disturbances.
References
Maciocia (2015, p. 453)
Maciocia (2006, p. 97)
Full/Empty Channel Diagnosis
Full (Excess) Characteristics:
Intense pain, stiffness, contractions, and cramps.
Empty (Deficient) Characteristics:
Dull ache, weakness or atrophy of the muscles, numbness.
References
Maciocia (2006, p. 66, 98)
Hot/Cold Channel Diagnosis
Hot Characteristics:
Accompanied by redness and heat upon touch. May present contraction and stiffness.
Cold Characteristics:
Displayed as blue hues and coldness to touch, often associated with contraction and stiffness.
References
Maciocia (2015, p. 455-458)
Maciocia (2006, p. 65-69, 245)
Yin/Yang Channel Diagnosis
Yang Patterns: Common in channel disorders; may present as excess or in conditions such as pain or heat.
Yin Patterns: Less common but can manifest in chronic stagnation or cold symptoms.
Tui Na Techniques
Detailed Descriptions of Selected Techniques
One Finger Meditation (Yi Zhi Chan Tui Fa)
A Tui Na version of the acupuncture needle methodology that incorporates meditation principles such as focus and attention.
Where Used: Specific acupuncture points and channels, typically performed with the thumb or finger.
Functions & Methods:
Small, focused, rocking movements that activate circulation of Qi & Blood.
Helps in dispersing Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and food retention.
Strengthens the Stomach & Spleen and regulates Wei and Ying Qi.
One Finger Meditation Technique
Procedure:
Place a finger on the acupuncture point (thumb/index recommended).
Allow gentle sinking into the point as the patient relaxes, registering decreased resistance.
Rock the finger back and forth for 30 seconds to a minute.
Yin Variation: Visualize gentle ripples across water to help alleviate stagnation in deficient patients.
Rolling (Gun Fa)
A highly effective technique, but challenging to master; traditionally practiced on a rice bag for an extended period before application on humans.
Applications: Shoulders, back, waist, buttocks, hips, limbs.
With: Hypothenar eminence with hands in a loose fist, or using both hands in closed fists.
Functions & Methods:
Promotes warming, relaxing, and encourages Qi and blood flow.
Clears pathogenic influences such as Wind, Cold, and Dampness.
Relieves muscle tension and spasms, reduces swelling, and helps lubricate joints.
Rolling Technique
Steps:
Apply the hypothenar eminence on the upper area of the inner bladder channel, rocking towards and away from the spine.
Optionally place the second hand on the lower back for support until familiar with the motion.
Perform for 2-3 minutes relying on wrist movement.
Dotting (Kou Fa)
A variation of dissipative techniques akin to gentle chopping motions.
Areas of Use: Shoulders, back, ribs, abdomen, hips, limbs, and specific acupoints.
Methods: Active activation of Qi and Blood; facilitates relaxation and alleviates pain while promoting recovery and harmonizing Yin & Yang.
Dotting Technique
Steps:
Grip middle finger supported by thumb and index finger.
Tap with the fingertip accurately and with appropriate force, repeating 12 times per area.
Practical Applications and Techniques
Activities include:
Musculoskeletal palpation of the arm and practice of techniques on lung, pericardium, and heart channels.
Utilize palpation, observation, and examination to assess areas of excess or deficiency, and hot or cold characteristics in the treated channels.
Document findings for discussion with instructors.
References
Chengnan, S. (2000). Chinese bodywork: A complete manual of Chinese therapeutic massage. Pacific View Press.
Deadman, P., Al-Khafaji, M., & Baker, K. (2007). A manual of acupuncture (2nd ed.). Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
Maciocia, G. (2015). The foundations of Chinese medicine (3rd ed.). Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
Maciocia, G. (2006). The channels of acupuncture: Clinical use of the secondary channels and eight extraordinary vessels. Churchill Livingstone.
Pritchard, S. (2015). Tui na: A manual of Chinese massage therapy. Jessica Kingsley.
Legal Notice
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