Thumb Pushing (Mu Zhi Tui Fa)

Key Points

Apply pressure with the belly of the thumb, place it on the treatment area and push forward steadily.

Operating Procedures

Place the belly of your thumb on the patient’s acupoint or treatment area, then push forward to generate therapeutic sensations. This manipulation is defined as Thumb Pushing (Mu Zhi Tui Fa) (Figure 1-1).

Figure 1-1 Thumb Pushing (Mu Zhi Tui Fa)

Push from the proximal end to the distal end of the limb, or from the upper part to the lower part of the body, which is called Forward Thumb Pushing (Mu Zhi Shun Tui Fa) (Figure 1-2).

Figure 1-2 Forward Thumb Pushing (Mu Zhi Shun Tui Fa)

Push from the distal end to the proximal end of the limb, or from the lower part to the upper part of the body, which is called Reverse Thumb Pushing (Mu Zhi Ni Tui Fa) (Figure 1-3).

Figure 1-3 Reverse Thumb Pushing (Mu Zhi Ni Tui Fa)

Use two thumbs to push forward simultaneously or alternately, known as Double Forward Thumb Pushing (Shuang Mu Zhi Shun Tui Fa), also named Alternating Double Forward Thumb Pushing (Figure 1-4).

Figure 1-4 Double Forward Thumb Pushing (Shuang Mu Zhi Shun Tui Fa)

Use two thumbs to push backward simultaneously or alternately, known as Double Reverse Thumb Pushing (Shuang Mu Zhi Ni Tui Fa), also named Alternating Double Reverse Thumb Pushing (Figure 1-5).

Figure 1-5 Double Reverse Thumb Pushing (Shuang Mu Zhi Ni Tui Fa)

Push transversely toward the ulnar side with a single thumb, which is Transverse Thumb Pushing (Mu Zhi Heng Tui Fa). Transverse pushing with two thumbs toward both ulnar sides is also referred to as Double Thumb Separating Pushing (Shuang Mu Zhi Fen Tui Fa) (Figure 1-6).

Figure 1-6 Double Thumb Separating Pushing (Shuang Mu Zhi Fen Tui Fa)

Push forward while performing rotating and kneading movements with the thumb belly. This technique is Rotary Thumb Pushing (Mu Zhi Xuan Tui Fa), also called Thumb Pushing-Kneading (Mu Zhi Tui Rou Fa) (Figure 1-7).

Figure 1-7 Rotary Thumb Pushing (Mu Zhi Xuan Tui Fa)

Applicable Areas

Commonly applied to acupoints and treatment regions on the head, face, chest, abdomen, lumbodorsal area and limbs.

Force & Sensation

Apply moderate force. The movement creates friction on the skin, manipulates muscles and activates qi and blood, bringing about soreness, numbness and distension.

Therapeutic Effects

It dredges meridians and promotes qi and blood circulation. Forward pushing guides qi and blood to flow towards the extremities, while reverse pushing nourishes the internal organs with abundant qi and blood.

This technique moisturizes and softens the skin, relieves muscle spasms, dispels wind and cold, and reduces swelling and inflammation. It stimulates acupoints, activates nerves and regulates neural excitation and inhibition to soothe nerves and relieve pain. Additionally, it resolves blood stasis, nourishes the body and fluids, and harmonizes visceral functions to maintain normal physiological activities.