Disclaimer: All Chinese herbal teas, herbal decoctions, TCM dietary therapies, acupuncture, and Tui Na massage featured in this article serve solely as auxiliary wellness support. They fall under the category of dietary and traditional wellness practices rather than formal medical treatment, and cannot substitute for professional medical diagnosis, prescription medication, or clinical therapy. If you have received a diagnosis of colds, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, or any other physical ailment, you must adhere to treatment plans from licensed medical practitioners. Pregnant, breastfeeding, medication-taking or chronically unwell individuals are required to consult a qualified healthcare provider prior to use.
11. Flicking (Tan Fa)
1. Definition
The technique of using fingers to tap and flick on supports areas or acupoints.
2. Types
finger flicking (Zhi Tan Fa)
The method in which the practitioner applies force with the fingertip to snap (pluck) the patient’s muscles and sinews.
finger-flicking technique (Tanzhifa)
Lifting and Snapping technique (Titanfa)
A method in which the practitioner uses the fingers to apply opposing force to pinch and grasp a specific muscle or sinew of the patient, then lifts and flicks it.
lifting-plucking manipulation (Titan fa)
3. Key Points
The practitioner applies force with the fingertip to perform a flicking (Tanfa) technique on the patient’s tendon.
4. Location
All parts of the body
5. Actions
supports comfortable muscle and tendon function, promotes smooth circulation through the meridians and collaterals, aids healthy blood flow and helps with occasional discomfort, helps maintain normal tissue flexibility, uses acupressure to relax sinews, harmonizes Qi and Blood, and supports the body’s natural ability to maintain balance.
12. Pinching Manipulation (Nie)
1. Definition
Squeezing-pinching (jiniē) method: Using the thumb and index finger, or the thumb with the index and middle fingers, or the thumb with the other four fingers symmetrically, grasp the limb with opposing force, squeeze and pinch, and gradually move along.
2. Types
Three-finger pinching (Sanzhi Nie Fa)
A method of pinching and squeezing muscles and tendons using the thumb, index, and middle fingers with continuous movement.
Three-Finger Pinching (Sanzhi Nie Fa)
Five-Finger Pinching (Wuzhi Niefa)
A technique of squeezing and pinching muscles and tendons with the thumb and the other four fingers in a continuous moving motion.
five-finger pinching (Wuzhi Nie Fa)
3. Key Points
(1) During the operation, use the thumb pad and the other four fingers in opposition, with a closing and opening motion, to pinch and squeeze along the direction of the tendon while advancing.
(2) The manipulation technique should be gentle yet deep-penetrating, with continuous movement, light and agile.
4. Location
Neck and shoulder regions, upper back and shoulder blade areas, and the four limbs.
5. Actions
supports the harmonious function of the Spleen and Stomach, maintains smooth flow of meridians, and supports the healthy circulation of Qi and blood.
13. Nail-Pressing (Qiafa)
1. Definition
Use the thumbnail to select a specific area or acupoint, and press firmly.
2. Types
Thumb pressing method (Muzhi Qia) and middle finger pressing method (Zhongzhi Qia). The thumb pressing method (Muzhi Qia) is a technique of using the thumbnail to press and stimulate a specific area or acupoint on the patient’s body surface.
thumb nail-pressing (Muzhi Qiafa)
3. Essentials
(1) Apply steady force; avoid sliding.
(2) Force should not be excessive, and it should be applied only to the extent that the skin is not punctured.
(3) After pinching (Qia), follow with kneading (Rou) to moderate the stimulation and reduce local discomfort.
4. Location
Head and face, hands and feet.
5. Actions
supports mental alertness and sensory function, primarily for temporary supportive care.
14. Sweeping and Dispersing (Saosanfa)
1. Definition
A method where the hypothenar eminence is fixed at a point on the face, the thumb leads in a circular pattern, and the remaining four fingers follow with free swinging motion over the supports area.
2. Types
The thumb sweeping-spreading method: place both thumbs on the supports area, with the four fingers slightly flexed and separated in a fan shape. As the wrist joint moves freely, the four fingers gently brush and float along with the motion.
3. Key Points
Require gentle force, with the point fixed and not rubbed back and forth, continuous and consistent.
4. Location
Suitable for the head, face, and all parts of the body.
5. Actions
Helps unblock meridians and collaterals, supports the circulation of Qi and blood, and promotes healthy basal metabolism. This provides near-physiological stimulation to local areas, thereby supporting local nutritional status.
15. Plucking manipulation (Bofa)
1. Definition
The technique of using fingers or palm to pluck (Bo) horizontally on the patient’s body surface.
2. Types
(1) Single-finger plucking (Danzhi Bofa)
Single-finger plucking (Danzhi Bofa)
The method of using fingers to pluck a specific area on the recipient’s body surface.
(2) Multiple-Finger Plucking (Duozhi Bofa)
Multiple-Finger Plucking (Duozhi Bofa)
Use both hands with multiple fingers to simultaneously or separately apply plucking (Bo) manipulation to the recipient’s abdomen.
(3) Sinew-plucking technique (Boluo fa)
Sinew-plucking technique (Boluo fa)
Using the thumb and four fingers to firmly grasp the recipient’s muscle bundle, then pluck with the four fingers.
(4) Tiba Fa (Lifting and Pulling Technique)
Tiba Fa (Lifting and Pulling Technique)
The technique involves using three fingers of both hands to press on sinews at one location, while both thumbs pluck sinews at another location.
(5) Elbow Plucking (Zhoubo)
Using the elbow tip to apply plucking manipulation on the fleshy areas of the recipient.
3. Key Points
Use a part of the body, such as the fingertips, the heel of the palm, or the elbow, to press and apply pressure on tendons or acupoints adjacent to positive reaction substances, then push and pluck (moving left and right). Avoid applying forceful pressure; instead, press and pluck.
4. Location
Lower back, back, spine, and other tendon and acupoint areas.
5. Functions
supports healthy muscle and tendon function, promotes smooth flow through meridians, and helps with occasional discomfort while maintaining flexibility.
16. Rubbing (Cuo)
1. Definition
Use both palms to hold the affected area, apply opposing force, and perform rapid kneading and rubbing (Cuorou) while moving upward and downward in a reciprocating motion.
2. Types
(1) Rubbing and kneading (Cuorou)
On the shoulder area, the practitioner can use both palms firmly to rub and knead (Cuo Rou) the shoulders.
(2) Cuozhuan Fa (rubbing-rotating technique)
On the limbs, use the palms to grasp the limb with symmetrical force, rub it back and forth, and simultaneously rotate the limb accordingly.
3. Key Essentials
(1) The rubbing (Cuo) motion should be rapid and even, with slow movement, closely adhering to the supports area, and continuous action.
(2) Use force symmetrically with both hands, and movements should not be stiff or sluggish.
(3) The supports area should not be clamped too tightly.
4. Location
Both hypochondria, shoulder joints, and four limbs.
5. Functions
supports healthy Qi and blood circulation, and promotes smooth flow through the meridians and collaterals.
17. Pressing (Ya)
1. Definition
The method of applying forceful downward pressure using the fingers, palm, or a massage device.
2. Types
(1) Finger Pressure (Zhiya)
Finger Pressure (Zhiya)
Press the supports area with the fingertip pad, keeping the finger at a 45° angle to the supports point.
(2) Overlapping Palm Pressing (Diezhang Yafa)
Overlapping Palm Pressing (Diezhang Yafa)
Place the entire palm or palm root of one hand on the patient’s body surface, overlap the palm of the other hand on the back of the first hand, and then both hands press in coordination.
(3) Palm-root pressing (Zhanggen Ya Fa)
Palm-root pressing (Zhanggen Ya Fa)
A technique where the practitioner applies pressure to the patient’s body surface using the heel of the palm (Zhanggen).
3. Key Points
Accurate positioning, deep and penetrating pressure, and a relatively long duration.
4. Location
All body parts and acupoints
5. Actions
supports smooth flow of meridians, promotes healthy blood circulation and helps with occasional discomfort, calms the mind and promotes tranquility, helps maintain comfort against wind and cold influences, supports a calm and uplifted mood, and helps helps with occasional muscle tension and occasional discomfort.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
I never knew flicking could be a beauty technique! The finger-flicking method sounds interesting—almost like a gentle acupressure tap. Has anyone tried this for tension headaches? Would love to hear if it actually helps with sinus congestion or just muscle knots.
Interesting! I’ve heard of facial massage but never knew there was a specific “flicking” technique for beauty. Sounds like it could help with muscle tension. Has anyone tried this for jawline definition? Might give it a go after reading more about the effects.
Interesting! I’ve tried some tapping techniques for facial massage, but never thought about flicking for beauty. The finger flicking method sounds intense—definitely something I’d leave to the pros. Curious if it helps with wrinkles or just muscle tension?
Interesting to see flicking techniques detailed here! I’ve tried light tapping on acupoints before, but the finger-flicking method sounds more intense for muscle release. Anyone know if this is similar to the “face tapping” trend on TikTok, or is it deeper work?
I’ve never heard of flicking as a beauty technique—sounds intriguing! Do the finger-flicking methods help more with relaxation or actual skin firming? Would love to try it if it boosts circulation without bruising. Great info!