Meridian Pressing and Rubbing Technique: A Comprehensive Guide to Jing Luo Xun An Fa

The Meridian Pressing and Rubbing Technique, or Jing Luo Xun An Fa, is a sophisticated method within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves a series of hand techniques applied along the body's meridian pathways. This technique is primarily used on the upper and lower limbs and can be tailored to specific patient needs. The following sections detail each component of this practice, ensuring both therapeutic accuracy and ease of understanding.

Circular rubbing is performed by moving the thumb or middle finger in a circular motion along a meridian line. For example, on the Large Intestine Meridian of the Hand Yangming, you would rub from the tiger's mouth (between thumb and index finger) to the shoulder joint. The rubbing circles are roughly the size of the thumb's first joint, though this can be adjusted based on the limb area. The pressure should reach the muscle layer, moving continuously with each rub, covering the line 3 to 5 times. The movement should be both continuous and spaced—continuous in that the rubbing finger never leaves the meridian, and spaced in that each subsequent rub lands a short distance from the previous one. Whenever possible, the rubbing should fall directly on acupuncture points.

This technique uses the tip of the middle finger to press along the meridian line. Similar to circular rubbing, it involves moving back and forth along the muscles and acupoints of the meridian. The pressure should be firm but not painful, and the patient should feel comfortable and relaxed after the treatment. Perform this 3 to 5 times along the selected meridian.

Tapping is performed along the chosen meridian using a heavy-hand technique. The tapping should be done in a rhythmic, back-and-forth motion, covering the line 3 to 5 times. This method is more percussive than pressing and is used to stimulate deeper tissues.

This technique combines pinching the muscles along the meridian with grasping specific acupoints. Use the thumb and middle finger: the thumb presses on the acupoint while the middle finger supports nearby muscles. Move continuously, alternating between pinching muscles and grasping points, for 3 to 5 passes. The pressure should be gentle enough to avoid discomfort.

Plipping differs from tapping. While tapping strikes the skin from above, plipping involves contacting the meridian or acupoint with the middle fingertip and then pressing deeply in a vibrating, oscillating motion. This creates a unique sensation different from simple pressure or tapping. Perform this moving technique 3 to 5 times along the meridian.

Pushing is performed along the selected meridian using the side of the thumb. This technique is further divided into two methods based on the desired therapeutic effect: reinforcement (bu) or reduction (xie).

Using the side of the thumb, push along the skin of the meridian. For example, on the Large Intestine Meridian from Hegu (LI4) to Quchi (LI11):

This method follows the principle of reducing first, then reinforcing. It combines pushing with pinching and lifting for reduction, and pushing with pressing for reinforcement.

References

1. Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine). Ancient Chinese medical text foundational to meridian theory and acupuncture.

2. Nanjing (Classic of Difficult Issues). Ancient text elaborating on meridian pathways and techniques.

3. Lingshu (Spiritual Pivot). Part of the Huangdi Neijing detailing meridian circulation and point location.

4. Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion). Ming dynasty text compiling acupuncture techniques and meridian theory.