Two Spinal Pinching Techniques for Dispelling Wind and Digestion

During prone position massage, the patient lies prone with both lower limbs extended straight, a small pillow placed beneath the ankle joints, and both hands positioned under the chin or in front of the head, breathing freely.

Technique & Patient assumes a prone position for massage, with the massage therapist standing on the patient’s left side.

There are two manipulation methods: The first method involves the masseur making fists with both hands, with the index fingers of both hands placed closely against the skin below, and the thumbs of both hands placed straight on top, covering the fist holes, positioned at the midline of the lumbosacral joint area. First, grasp the musculocutaneous tissue in this area in the hands, and then perform a combined action of lifting and pinching (during lifting and pinching, a “clicking” sound may be heard in some cases) while moving upwards until reaching approximately the 10th thoracic vertebra. Then, switch to the second manipulation method described below until reaching the Dazhui (GV14) acupoint. After that, use the left thumb to push upwards to the Fengfu (GV16) acupoint, and use the right thumb to push straight down along the midline back to the Changqiang (GV1) acupoint. Repeat this operation three times.

The second method involves the masseur attaching the radial sides of both thumbs to the sides of the spine at the lumbosacral joint area, with the index and middle fingers of both hands placed in front of the respective thumbs. During the manipulation, the masseur first uses the thumb and index finger to pinch and hold the musculocutaneous tissue at the lumbosacral joint along the midline of the back, performing a combined action of pushing forward and twisting while moving towards the Dazhui (GV14) acupoint. Upon reaching Dazhui, the masseur switches to using the left thumb to push upward to Fengfu (GV16) and the right thumb to push straight down back to Changqiang (GV1), repeating this sequence three times.

Then, use the second manipulation method to continuously perform the operation three times respectively along the Bladder Meridian (BL) lines on both sides of the waist and back. Finally, use the second method again, starting from the lateral border of the left scapula to the lateral border of the right scapula, moving from left to right and from top to bottom until reaching the lumbosacral region, repeating this process 2 to 3 times.

Key Points: The first type of spinal pinching technique involves relatively strong force. When performing the pinching and lifting action, do not insist on hearing a “clicking” sound if it does not occur naturally, as this has no significant bearing on the therapeutic effect. This technique is primarily used for patients with robust physique and strong tolerance. The second type of spinal pinching technique employs lighter force and is suitable for patients with weak physique and low tolerance. When performing the pinching and lifting or twisting manipulation, the force must be uniform and consistent, avoiding excessive force. When performing the upward and downward separating push along the midline, in addition to using the thumb, the index and middle fingers can also be used for the operation. This upward and downward separating push should be performed once after each round of spinal pinching technique. This method creates a sense of tightness during the operation and a feeling of lightness afterward.

Actions：This method can dispel wind and dissipate cold, harmonize qi and blood, regulate the zang-fu organs, promote digestion and eliminate food stagnation. It is applicable to both adults and children.

Q1: What is the spinal pinching technique for dispelling wind in traditional Chinese medicine?

A1: The spinal pinching technique for dispelling wind involves the patient lying prone with legs extended and a small pillow under the ankles, while the massage therapist stands on the left side. The therapist makes fists with both hands and uses the index fingers to pinch and lift the skin along the spine, moving from the sacrum to the neck. This manipulation is believed to expel pathogenic wind from the body, promoting circulation and relieving stiffness.

Q2: How does spine pinching for digestive health work in traditional Chinese medicine?

A2: Spine pinching for digestive health in TCM involves rhythmic pinching and rolling of the skin along the spine, typically from the coccyx upward. This technique stimulates the Bladder and Governing Vessel meridians, which are linked to organ function. By improving qi flow and blood circulation, it alleviates digestive issues like bloating, poor appetite, and constipation.

Q3: What are the two spinal pinching methods used for dispelling wind and improving digestion?

A3: The two spinal pinching methods differ in hand positioning and pressure. The first method uses fists with the index fingers to lift and roll the skin, focusing on dispelling wind and releasing tension. The second method (not fully described) typically uses the thumbs and index fingers to gently pinch and pull, targeting digestive health by stimulating specific acupoints along the spine.

Q4: Can spine pinching be performed while the patient is in a prone position?

A4: Yes, spine pinching is traditionally performed with the patient in a prone position. The patient lies face down, legs extended, with a small pillow under the ankles and hands placed under the chin or forehead to ensure comfort and free breathing. This position allows the therapist easy access to the entire spine for the pinching technique.

Q5: Why is the massage therapist positioned on the patient’s left side during spinal pinching?

A5: The massage therapist stands on the patient’s left side to facilitate better biomechanical leverage and hand placement when performing spinal pinching. This positioning allows the therapist to use both hands symmetrically for techniques like the first method involving fists, ensuring even pressure and smooth strokes along the spine.