new techniques (2nd half of term)

Question 1

What is the technique for Oscillating?

Answer 1

· The palm is placed on the surface of the body, letting the weight of the hand sink into the tissue.
· The palm then oscillates back & forth in a loose relaxed manner
· Image: spreading ripples moving outward in one direction like a small stream coming into a lake

Question 2

What are the benefits of Oscillating?

Answer 2

·  Produces a gentle internal kneading into the tissus
·  Acts at level of skin & muscles
·  Moves qi & blood 
·  Relaxes tightness
·  Disperses stagnation

Question 3

On what areas can we use Oscillating?

Answer 3

Large, thick muscles – i.e. shoulder, back, buttocks, legs

Question 4

What is the technique for Chafing / Scrubbing?

Answer 4

· Skin scrubbed / chafed with palm, thenar, or hypothenar eminence to generat heat
· Can use knuckles on forearm or soles of feet
· Like briskly rubbing hands to warm when cold

Question 5

What are the benefits of Chafing / Scrubbing?

Answer 5

·  Warms locally
·  Dredges channels
·  Expels wind, damp, cold
·  Activates Wei Qi
·  Creates penetrating spreading heat

Question 6

On what areas can we use Chafing / Scrubbing?

Answer 6

· For most areas of the body including: low back & traps, dantian, between ribs, between forearm muscles
· Use whole hand for large areas, hypothenar for smaller areas, and thenar for even smaller areas, and knuckles for areas like forearm (consider using oil)
· For dan tian, use flat part of knuckle

Question 7

What is the technique for Patting?

Answer 7

· Palm is used to rhythmically pat meridians, muscles, and other areas of body
· The force is not strong, yet penetrates through skin & superficial muscle layers
· Image: hand position like that used in patting sand together for a sand castle; packs in & consolidates qi

Question 8

What are the benefits of Patting?

Answer 8

· Activates or consolidates qi
· Tonifying
· Acts at skin & wei (defensive) qi level

Question 9

On what areas can we use Patting?

Answer 9

· Most areas of body – i.e. back, dan tian, chest, yin areas, channels)
· Be careful at head, face, and neck

Question 10

What are the contraindications for Patting?

Answer 10

Caution on those with history of pneumothorax, or those at risk (elderly or young children)

Question 11

What is the technique for Slapping?

Answer 11

· Considerably heavier than Patting

· Image: like slapping a rug or pillow to knock out the dust; should feel Qi dispersing out in all directions

Question 12

What are the benefits of Slapping?

Answer 12

· Disperses blockages
· Disperses qi
· Drives qi through the channels

Question 13

On what areas can we use Slapping?

Answer 13

· For more heavily muscled Yang areas of body – i.e. back, scarum
· Back of knee for dampness
· Use with care on Dan Tian & chest for excess conditions

Question 14

What are the contraindications for Slapping?

Answer 14

Caution on those with history of pneumothorax, or those at risk (elderly or young children)