Key Points
Form both hands into splay palms, place them on either side of the spine. Push obliquely outward in a splay pattern while moving hands downward continuously.
Operating Procedures
Make splay palms with both hands and place them on both sides of the patient’s dorsal spine. Push obliquely outward along the intercostal spaces in a splay shape, and move the hands downward gradually during the manipulation. This technique is named Splay-shaped Separating Pushing (Ba Zi Fen Tui Fa) (Figure 1-23).
Figure 1-23 Splay-shaped Separating Pushing (Ba Zi Fen Tui Fa)
Force & Sensation
Moderate force is applied. The movement creates skin friction, activates qi and blood in muscles, and brings on soreness, numbness and distension.
Therapeutic Effects
It dredges meridians and promotes qi and blood circulation. Forward pushing guides qi and blood to nourish the extremities. It moisturizes the skin, relieves muscle spasms, dispels wind-cold, and reduces swelling and inflammation. It stimulates acupoints, regulates neural activity to soothe nerves and relieve pain. It also resolves blood stasis, nourishes body fluids and harmonizes visceral functions.
This manipulation is mainly indicated for lumbodorsal disorders and soft tissue injuries.