Massage Grinding Maneuvers

Manipulation: The palm or the pads of index, middle and ring fingers is placed at a certain acupoint on the hand or foot and the wrist joint and arm are swayed to bring the palm or finger pads into a clockwise or counterclockwise circular move-ment, just like grinding a Chinese ink bar. The cycles of the grinding movement may be gradually increased in diameter centrifugally from the center to the peripheralarea, and then gradually reduced in diameter centripetally to the center to produce a hot sensation over this area.

The movement should be gentle, the velocity even and coordinated, and the rhythm quick. The pressure of the grinding movement may be gradually and slightly increased, but the quick rhythm should be maintained (Fig. 3-10).

The grinding maneuver is similar to the rubbing maneuver, warming the meridians and removing their stagnation to promote circulation of qi and blood. The grinding movement should be done quickly at an even speed, and the pressure should be maintained to reach a fixed depth. Uneven and sluggish manipulation will not produce the proper effect.

Indications: The grinding maneuver is best performed over a large flat area to treat senile diseases, chronic diseases, and deficient and cold diseases; it is also used to relax local tissue after the heavy grinding maneuver has been applied.

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