Manipulation: This maneuver can be divided into finger-kneading and palm-kneading methods. In the finger-kneading maneuver, the pad of the finger is put steadily on the acupoints.
or areas with the wrist relaxed, and then the forearm is repeatedly swayed to and fro, with the elbow as a fulcrum, to gently and slowly sway and rotate the wrist and palm to conduct the rotating force to the finger. In the palm-kneading maneuver, the the-nar and hypothenar prominences or the root of the palm are put over the acupoints or areas for a similar swaying and rotating movement by the forearm. This maneuver should be performed gently and rhythmically (Fig. 3-3).
There are some modified methods for doing the kneading maneuver such as using several fingers placed side by side, or with the two palms placed face to face. However, the finger(s) or palm(s) must be placed steadily on the acupoints or areas to gently and persistently apply this maneuver for a longer period of time.
Indications: The kneading maneuver should be applied to the acupoints or areas superficially distributed on a flat and wide region to produce an adjusting and tonic effect. It may be used to treat chronic and deficient diseases, tissue strain, and local swelling and pain. It is also useful for maintaining health.
4. Pushing maneuver:
Manipulation: The pad of a single finger or multiple fingers, and the thenar and hypothenar prominences or the root of palm may be placed at certain points on the hand or foot to perform one directional and linear movement over the skin. The finger or palm should be placed steadily on the skin and a stable pressure applied to reach the tissue layer at a fixed depth for pushing with a slow and even speed (Fig. 3-4).
The pushing maneuver is usually applied along the direcion of the bones with a force adjusted according to therapeutic requirements.
Indications : The pushing maneuver is usually applied along the longitudinal direction of the fingers and palm or along various sides of the fingers. It is used to treat chronic diseases, suffering due to strain, continuous dull pain and deficient and cold diseases. It is also useful for maintaining health. After application of the pushing maneuver for a period of time, it may be replaced by the rubbing maneuver.
