Four-Finger Pushing (Si Zhi Tui Fa)

Key Points

Apply force with the bellies of four fingers, press on the treatment area and push forward.

Operating Procedures

Put the index, middle, ring and little fingers together. Press the combined finger bellies on the patient’s treatment areas or acupoints, then push forward firmly to produce therapeutic sensations. This manipulation is Four-Finger Pushing (Si Zhi Tui Fa).

Pushing from the proximal end to the distal end of the limb, or from the upper part downwards, is Forward Four-Finger Pushing (Si Zhi Shun Tui Fa) (Figure 1-11).

Figure 1-11 Forward Four-Finger Pushing (Si Zhi Shun Tui Fa）

Pushing from the distal end to the proximal end of the limb, or from the lower part upwards, is Reverse Four-Finger Pushing (Si Zhi Ni Tui Fa) (Figure 1-12).

Figure 1-12 Reverse Four-Finger Pushing (Si Zhi Ni Tui Fa)

Pushing transversely along the sides of limbs or intercostal spaces is Transverse Four-Finger Pushing (Si Zhi Heng Tui Fa) (Figure 1-13).

Figure 1-13 Transverse Four-Finger Pushing (Si Zhi Heng Tui Fa)

Applicable Areas

It is widely used on acupoints and treatment areas of the head, face, chest, abdomen, lumbodorsal region and limbs.

Force & Sensation

Moderate force is applied. The manipulation creates skin friction, activates qi and blood in muscles, and brings about sensations of soreness, numbness and distension.

Therapeutic Effects

It dredges meridians and boosts qi and blood circulation. Forward pushing guides qi and blood to nourish the extremities, while reverse pushing helps qi and blood fully nourish internal organs.

This technique moisturizes the skin, relieves muscle spasms, dispels wind-cold, and reduces swelling and inflammation. It stimulates acupoints, regulates neural excitation and inhibition to soothe nerves and relieve pain. It also resolves blood stasis, nourishes body fluids, and harmonizes visceral functions to keep them working normally.

Applicable Areas, Force & Sensation, Therapeutic Effects，They are basically the same as those of Thumb Pushing (Mu Zhi Tui Fa). This technique features a larger contact area, so it is mainly applied to the chest, abdomen, waist and back.