Basic Technique Example — Rou (Kneading) Technique

Tui Na—— Rou fa (The Kneading Technique)

Rou Fa is a fundamental and effective technique in Tui Na. The essential principles of its application can be systematically summarized as follows:

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I. Basic Classifications

1. Finger Kneading (Zhi Rou Fa):

Performed with the pads of the thumb, middle finger, or the index–middle–ring finger trio. Ideal for acupoints or small surface areas.

2. Palm Kneading (Zhang Rou Fa):

Uses the whole palm or the heel of the palm to apply pressure; suitable for larger areas such as the lower back and abdomen.

3. Thenar Kneading (Yu Ji Rou Fa):

Involves the thenar or hypothenar eminence (the fleshy part of the palm). Commonly applied to thinner muscle areas such as the face or neck and shoulder region.

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II. Key Movements

• Circular Motion:

Apply gentle, circular or spiral movements centered on the treatment area, with a diameter of approximately 2–3 cm.

• Close Adherence:

Maintain close contact with the skin without slipping; the motion should engage the underlying soft tissue.

• Penetrating Force:

Pressure should gradually increase to reach deeper tissues. The patient should feel a comfortable soreness or fullness (suan zhang).

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III. Critical Details

1. Patient Positioning:

The patient should be in a comfortable position. The practitioner should keep shoulders relaxed and elbows hanging, using forearm-driven force.

2. Duration:

Each area should be worked for about 3–5 minutes and combined with other Tui Na techniques as needed.

3. Directional Application:

Clockwise movements are generally tonifying (bu), while counterclockwise movements are dispersing (xie), chosen according to the pattern of deficiency or excess in the condition being treated.

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Conclusion

Mastery of Rou Fa requires ongoing clinical practice to internalize the core principle of “softness with strength, strength within softness.” The ultimate goal is to reach the state described in the Golden Mirror of Medicine (Yi Zong Jin Jian):

“When facing the patient, the mechanism responds externally, and skill arises from within.”