General Techniques and Contraindications of Massage
Massage stimulates the skin, muscles, joints, nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic system through various techniques, promoting local blood circulation, improving metabolism, thereby enhancing the body’s natural resistance to disease, accelerating absorption of inflammatory exudates, and relieving muscle spasms and pain. Massage excels in relaxing tendons and meridians, activating blood flow, dispersing stasis, reducing swelling, and alleviating pain, making it especially effective for musculoskeletal disorders and various pain conditions.
General Massage Techniques:
1. Press: Apply rhythmic pressure on the skin or acupoints using fingers or palms.
2. Rub: Perform gentle friction on the skin or acupoints using fingers or palms.
3. Push: Push or squeeze the skin and muscles forward, upward, or outward using fingers or palms.
4. Grasp: Hold the skin, muscles, or fascia with one or both hands, lift them upward, then release.
5. Rub: Rotate the fingers or palms on the skin or acupoints.
6. Friction: Rub the limbs with one or both hands.
7. Pinch: Firmly press acupoints with fingers.
8. Point: Firmly press acupoints with a single finger.
9. Tap: Strike limbs with the palm or fist.
The following conditions are contraindicated for massage:
1. Patients suffering from influenza, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, diphtheria, dysentery, or other acute infectious diseases.
2. Patients with acute inflammation, such as acute suppurative tonsillitis, pneumonia, acute appendicitis, or cellulitis.
3. Certain chronic inflammations, including joint tuberculosis of the limbs, spinal tuberculosis, and osteomyelitis.
4. Individuals with severe heart, liver, kidney, or lung diseases.
5. Patients with malignant tumors, malignant anemia, or those who are extremely weak and emaciated due to long-term illness.
6. Patients with thrombocytopenic purpura or allergic purpura.
7. Patients with extensive skin lesions or ulcerative dermatitis.