(The Editorial Department)

Localized pain tuina is a relatively gentle traditional Chinese medical treatment method. This approach integrates traditional tuina techniques with the concept of trigger points, aiming to improve local blood circulation by accurately locating and stimulating pain points. Copper scraping therapy is a green traditional Chinese medical technique characterized by its simplicity, safety, and reliability. By repeatedly scraping and rubbing the surface of the affected area, different scraping patterns are formed on the skin surface due to the presence of pathogenic factors and sha toxins within the body. This method helps to promote the flow of qi and blood, as well as regulate the functions of the internal organs.

Method:

Press the shoulder area with fingers and select points that are sensitive to pressure and radiate outward as trigger points. These points are mainly located at the upper and lower edges of the deltoid muscle, acromion, acromial ligament, inferior angle of the scapula, spine of the scapula, upper outer edge, and lower angle of the scapula, among others. Patients assume positions corresponding to the aforementioned trigger points, and the therapist covers the trigger point with a piece of 4-layer gauze Using a tapping hammer, the therapist applies pressure to the trigger points and performs tuina massage with gradually increasing pressure, targeting deep tissue soreness.

This tuina technique is often combined with “gua sha” therapy. Patients sit down, expose the gua sha area, and apply gua sha oil evenly to the area. First, scrape the four points of the Governing Vessel on the back: Da Zhu, Da Zhu, Gao Mang, Shen Tang. Next, scrape the Du Meridian, Bladder Meridian, back, and shoulder, with special attention to scraping the shoulder yu points, shoulder zhen points, shoulder jing points, anterior shoulder points, shoulder outer shu points, shoulder middle shu points, shoulder liao points, arm yao points, yao shu points, Tian Zong, Bing Feng, Qu Yuan, Yao Hui, Hand Wuli, and the liver, spleen, and kidney projection areas. Finally, detoxify the palms of both hands and the soles of both feet. The scraping technique should be gentle and harmonious, with attention to maintaining warmth during the process. 2 hours per session, once a week, with a total of 4 weeks constituting one treatment course.

Benefits:

1. Pain relief: Significant improvement in pain is observed after treatment, especially for nighttime pain that affects sleep. The need for pain medication to aid sleep is greatly reduced.
2. Improved range of motion: Particularly beneficial for addressing limited movement caused by shoulder joint pain. Combined with personal exercise, this can effectively enhance functionality.
3. Reduced reliance on disliked medications: Helps avoid potential liver and kidney damage caused by certain medications.