Index finger observation of infant

Index finger mark observation is often used among children under 3.

From proximal to distal end: Feng Guan, Qi Guan, Ming Guan

Zhi Tui Fa        straight pushing manipulation

This is a manipulation of pushing along a part of the body in a straight line, which can be formed either by thumb or index and middle fingers. Illustrated above is through index and middle fingers. Finger(s) should remain in touch with the skin closely.

Liang Xue Lian Tui         pushing two points at the same

This is a modification of Zhi Tui Fa (straight pushing manipulation). As child’s body is tiny, especially fingers, therefore when two points on adjacent fingers are used together, we can use Liang Xue Lian Tui.

Na Fa         grasping manipulation

It is a way of gently lifting and squeezing a point r area of the body with thumb, index and middle fingers. Sometimes it may be formed with five fingers on hand. Grasp, lift and squeeze, then release.

Rou Fa          kneading manipulation

This is method of kneading a point or area in either clockwise or counterclockwise circular movement. One can use finger tips, palm, or thenar eminence. Illustrated above is finger kneading.

Yun Fa        arc pushing manipulation

This is a manipulation that one pushes in an arc or around the place lightly with his fingertips or the surface of the thumb. It is often used for stimulating the points on the palm.

Dao fa          pounding manipulation

This is a manipulation of pounding evenly with the proximal knuckle of middle or ring finger.

Qia Fa          nipping manipulation

This is a method f stimulating a point by pinching it forcefully with the fingernail.

Fen Fa /Fen Tui Fa              pushing apart manipulation

This is a manipulation that one pushes apart in opposite directions. It is often used on line-like points, from the middle towards both ends. It is often formed by both thumbs although some might prefer index and middle fingers of both hands.

Nie Ji       pinching and pulling manipulation along the spine

This is a manipulation used along child’s spine. 

P.S.  Above-mentioned manipulations are based on San Zi Jing school of paediatric Tui Na. There are several other schools as well.

It is very simple – three groups of points are chosen.

• Feng Fu (DU16) and Feng Chi (GB20)

As a meeting point of the Foot Shaoyang and Hand Shaoyang channel, with the Yang Motility (Yang Qiao) and Yang Linking (Yang Wei) vessels, Feng Chi (GB20) is one of the most important points to eliminate wind. While Feng Fu (Du16), as the meeting point of the Governing (Du) and Yang Linking (Yang Wei) vessels, is good at boosting the Yang Qi, therefore it is preeminent for eliminating the wind. As a group, they serve the function of strengthening body defense as well as removing pathogenic factor.

• Ye Men (SJ2) and Zhong Zhu (SJ3)

Both are points on the Sanjiao channel of Hand Shaoyang. The key is to needle Ye Men with the tip towards Zhong Zhu.

• Optional points

Mu Xue – Master Tung point – for running nose

Nei Guan (PC6) – for nasal obstruction

Above-mentioned are clinical experience. Results can be seen straight away (although not 100%). It is worth trying.

In the context of menstrual cycle, yin plays an important role during post-menstrual phase (follicular phase), it relates to hormonal triggers that stimulate follicles to develop, and the factors that support follicle’s growth and maturation. Yang performs a very important part after ovulation (luteal phase), when dynamic transformations happen (ovulation itself, the journey of the egg down the tube, fertilisation).

Everything in universe has yin and yang aspects. They are inseparable, interchangeable, mutually creating and transforming. There are two transforming phases during each menstrual cycle – period and ovulation. The start of cycle is right the time when yang is at its zenith and yin is at the beginning of growth. Ovulation heralds that yin, at its zenith, transforms into yang. Although short, transformations do happen at those stages. Therefore, qi and blood activities should be regulated to make sure transformations happen undisturbed.

Above-mentioned is the basic theory used in practice when we see patients come for fertility problems. We always say that we need to regulate period first. This is the reason. Only when yin and yang at its optimum level can pregnancy happen. This theory also applies to most women’s problems.

Huatuojiaji

The intention of needling these points is to stimulate the appropriate spinal nerve. Huatuojiaji has a very special location, just next to Du Mai (Governing Vessel), and not far away from the Bladder Channel of Foot Taiyang either. Therefore, it has intimate relationships with zang-fu organs. In practice, huatuojiaji is often used to regulate and harmonise the five zang and six fu.

Personally, I prefer using Huatuojiaji not only because appropriate spinal nerves can be located and treated, but also because of another function – warming and activating Yang Qi. Du Mai is the sea of Yang; plus it is on the back, back belongs to Yang as well, so Huatuojiaji is good at assisting body’s Yang Qi.

In practice, I like using Huatuojiaji when I treat conditions that affect nerve system and manifest as Yang deficiency, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), and ME/CFS/PVFS (Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome). Different techniques can be used on Huatuojiaji, needling, massage, moxibustion, etc. Personally I prefer moxibustion, a technique of applying burning moxa to certain acu-points or certain area. Normally if patients feel comfortable, I will give them spare moxa sticks and teach them how to apply it at home with someone’s help.

We only have certain amount of Jing, Qi and Shen within us. Only when we use them wisely, can we live longer and healthier.

You may ask, what are Jing, Qi, and Shen? Too abstract to explain to an outsider in short sentences.

Let’s explain in this way. If Jing is a candle, Qi is the flame, and Shen is the candlelight. The length of time that a candle can be lit depends on 1) the size of candle itself; 2) the strength and the stability of the wind. Given the size of the candle can not be changed, providing constant, stable and moderate wind power is the best way to keep candle lit as long as it can.

Wind, another topic I would like to talk about here. In the context of Chinese medicine, wind refers to factors more than just external wind from nature. One of them, probably the most important one, is emotion and desire. We always want infinite for our finite lives. No one knows why, probably just because we are only human.

Therefore, if we want to keep the wind down and stable to have longer and healthier lives, then we need to control our desires and lusts, we need to smile at ups and downs in our lives.

May every candle lit gracefully in the wind!