There are many foot massage techniques, but their main feature is to give lasting, powerful, even and gentle stimulation to the massage part, so as to achieve the purpose of balancing yin and yang and regulating viscera.
Methods: Bend the index finger, gently lean the thumb against the distal segment of the index finger, and give the index finger upward strength. The phalanx of the index finger keeps a straight line with the palm, forearm and upper arm to fix the focus, which can save labor. When the index finger joint is compressed, press it once and lift it once to relieve the pressure. Some banded reflex zones can be pressed down hard first, and then moved slowly after the patient feels pain.
Key points: the force should be uniform and penetrating, so that the stimulation can last and the patient can bear it. This method is suitable for acupoints and reflex zones on the sole, medial side, lateral side and instep.
A common method of foot massage-thumb tip pressing (pressing method)
Methods: The thumb joint was bent at right angle on the skin of the patient's foot, and the focus was 2-3 mm away from the center of the nail tip. Then the pressing force is removed, and the fingers are relaxed and straight parallel to the patient's skin, so that an action is completed. When the thumb presses the sole of the foot, the other four fingers are supported on the instep; When the thumb presses the instep, the other four fingers rest on the soles of the feet.
Important: Don't leave your fingers on your skin. After each movement, move your thumb forward a few millimeters. Don't move backwards or left and right. The movements should be uninterrupted, rhythmic and gentle. This method is commonly used by beginners and can be used in various acupoints and reflex zones of the foot. However, it should be noted that if this method is used for a long time, the thumb is often in a state of tension, which is prone to tenosynovitis and can be used alternately with other techniques.
Kneading is a common method of foot massage.
Finger softening method: the finger line surface is fixed at the acupoint or reflection area, and the wrist is relaxed. With the elbow as the fulcrum, the forearm swings actively, which drives the wrist and fingers to swing or rotate slightly, and the force reaches the kneading part through the fingers.
Palm-rubbing method: Palm-rubbing method is that the palm is big, thenar or palm root is fixed at acupoints or reflex zones, and the operation method is the same as fingering method.
Key points: the movement should be continuous, the intensity should be gradually increased from small to large, and then gradually decreased from large to small. The rotation cycle should be uniform, continuous and gentle, and the movement should be light and slow to avoid touching or jumping. This method is suitable for large area massage.
A Common Foot Massage Method —— Massage
Methods: Single finger, multi-finger, palmar root and thenar side were used to do one-way linear motion in a certain part of the foot. Usually push with your thumb.
Key points: when operating, fingers and palms should be close to the body surface, and the force should be steady, slow and even, and should be implemented along the bone direction and pushed at the same level. Suitable for being close to several acupoints or reflex zones, all of which need massage. This method can be used if the kidneys, ureters, bladder and colon in the reflex area of the foot need massage.
A common method of foot massage-rubbing method
Methods: The thenar and palmar root were attached to the foot with a single finger or palm, and were closely attached to the skin, making a rapid reciprocating linear motion.
Key points: the wrist joint should be naturally straightened, the forearm is approximately horizontal with the hand, the fingertips of the fingers can be slightly pressed down, and the shoulder joint is used as the fulcrum, and the upper arm actively drives the fingers and palms to do linear reciprocating motion; It can also be performed on the wrist, metacarpal joint and interphalangeal joint according to different parts, and the force is not stagnant and reciprocates quickly, preferably with a warm feeling. Generally, it is often used in the early stage of treatment or plantar surgery.
A Common Foot Massage Method —— Percussion
Methods: forefinger tapping or finger tapping were commonly used. The index finger tapping method is that the thumb and index finger are opposite, the middle finger is placed on the nail of the index finger, the three fingers are pinched together, and the end of the index finger is slightly protruding. Tap by moving your wrist up and down. Finger-pinching tapping is a tapping method in which the fingers bend slightly and the ends of the five fingers are pinched together in a plum blossom shape, and the wrist elasticity is used to move up and down.
Key points: Take the wrist as the fulcrum and apply force evenly. The forefinger tapping method is suitable for all acupoints and reflex zones of the foot; Pinch tapping is suitable for acupoints and reflex zones with less muscle in the foot. Beating is effective for heel pain.
A common method of foot massage-kneading method
Methods: Stimulate acupoints and reflex zones with the nail edge of the finger tip, generally apply force with the nail edge of the thumb tip and the radial side, or clamp acupoints and reflex zones with the nail edge of the thumb and other fingers. Sometimes it is translated into the application of the thumb tips of both hands corresponding to pinch points and reflection areas.
Key points: gradually exert force when kneading until the strong reaction stops, usually half a minute. Be careful not to pinch the skin to avoid slipping. This method is mostly used for acupuncture points and reflex zones in narrow parts such as toes and toe joints.
Kneading is a common method of foot massage.
Methods: The thumb and forefinger were pressed on two corresponding acupoints and reflex zones, or the thumb was pressed on one reflex zone and acupoint, and the forefinger was fixed on the other side.
Key points: the strength of manipulation can be light or heavy. This method can be used for acupoints and reflex areas suitable for the opposite side, such as lymph (abdomen) and lymph (upper body) in the reflex area of the foot.
A common method of foot massage-shaking.
Methods: passively rotate toes and ankles evenly.
Key points: the movement should be gentle and steady, the shaking range should be within the normal physiological activity range, from small to large, the frequency should be fast and slow, then from large to small, and the frequency should be fast. When operating, don't be stiff or stagnant, rotate flexibly and roundly, and don't suddenly apply one-way force to avoid damaging joints. In order to protect the joints, we must relax and adjust before the operation.
The common method of foot massage-stepping method
Methods: Press the foot on the patient's sole. The performer applies rhythmic pressure to the patient's soles with his heels and toes in front of the soles.