Manipulation: The pinching maneuver is a strong simulating method applied with the tip of thumb and the radial border of the thumbnail to the sensitive acupoints or areas; or applied with the thumbnail edge on one side and the nail edges of the fingers on the other side to apply opposite pressure from both sides. The pinching pressure should be gradually increased to reach the deep tissue and produce a strong stimulating sensation, but the skin should be protected from injury caused by the nails. The pinching maneuver should be applied for a short time and
Any discomfort produced by this maneuver can be relieved by the gentle local kneading maneuver. The skin may be damaged if the pinching maneuver is not applied stably with the nails repeatedly slided away from the acupoints (Fig. 3-5).
The tips of both thumbs may be used to employ the opposite pinching maneuver instead of using the nails. The pinching pressure is held for half a minute after it reaches the proper.
Depth, and then the acupoint or area is gently kneaded for half aminute after the pressure is released. The manipulation may berepeated several times, and the pinching maneuver may be ap-plied at a quicker rhythm.
Indications: The pinching maneuver is usually applied atthe fingers and toes, at the narrow joint spaces of the fingersand toes, and at the metacarphalangeal joints. It may be used in combination with pressing, kneading and twisting maneuvers to treat acute diseases, pain, psychosis, and neurasthenia.
