Beating
Beating is also called knocking, which is usually applied after kneading and rubbing. It can also be carried out alone when necessary.
When carrying out beating, the strength must be well-situated. Only suitable application could relax the patient, otherwise it will result in uncomfortable experience.
Generally, both hands are used when beating, and the frequently used methods are side-palm chopping, flat-palm patting, across fist knocking and upright fist knocking, etc.
1. Side-Palm Chopping
Both palms Stand side to side, with the thumb upward and the little finger downward. Moreover fingers should have about one centimeter distance from each other. Following the fall of palms with shut fingers, raise hands with separate fingers. Raise and lay down both hands in turn.
2. Flat-Palm Patting
Put both palms on the muscle, and tap rhythmically in turn.
3. Across Fist-Knocking
Make a fist with hand-back upward and thumbs against each other, moreover loose with a little space between fingers and the palm. Knock across with both fists in turn. This method is usually used on muscle-rich parts, such as waist, leg and shoulder.
4. Upright Fist Knocking
Make an upright fist with thumb upside and little finger downside. Loose with a little space between fingers and the palm. This is usually used on the back and the waist.
Four methods of beating mentioned above are mostly utilized on muscle-rich parts, e.g. neck, shoulder, back, waist, thigh and crus. Knock gently at first, put on some force slowly, and then lose force gradually. The force here will never be extremely heavy. Anyhow, it is the most important to make patients feel comfortable. As to the speed of beating, it should be generally slow at the beginning and then fast. Two times per second at the beginning, and gradually increase to six or eight times per second.
It should be emphasized that no matter which method to use, no great force should be used at the beginning, and strengthening gradually. In order to comfort the patient, falling palms should be not only with force but also flexibility. Generally, knocking for one or two minutes, or three minutes at most, is enough. In very few cases, beating time could be prolonged or shortened according to the degree of the illness. Beating can be carried out after or along with other massage techniques.
IV. Attention
1. Before massage, trim nails and wash hands with hot water, and pick off any hindrance to massage such as rings.
2. Make sure to be kindly, solemn and careful. Explain patients' condition patiently to win their cooperation.
3. Arrange proper posture of the patient and the doctor. Particularly, the patient's pose should be not only comfortable but also convenient for the doctor's operation.
4. Massage should be suitably gentle or heavy. Observe the patient's expressions at any moment so as to make the patient feel comfortable.
5. Proper duration is 20~30 minutes each time and 12 times make up a period of treatment.
6. Do not massage the patient immediately when he or she is in a rage such as intense anger, happiness, fear and sadness.
7. Do not massage the patient immediately after overeating. It is much proper to practice massage 2 hours after meal.
8. If the patient falls asleep during the massage, the doctor should cover the patient with a towel to prevent him from getting a cold. Be careful to the room temperature, and do not massage against wind.