Although numerous methods exist for treating kyphosis today, it is important for everyone to recognize that treatment must be based on healthy and effective principles. Many people now use massage therapy to address kyphosis, so let's explore whether massage can effectively treat this condition. This understanding will help minimize the impact of kyphosis.
1. Treatment Principles: Strengthen the spleen and kidneys, fortify tendons and bones, and alleviate back pain.
2. Commonly Used Acupoints and Areas: Spleen Shu (SP15), Stomach Shu (BL21), Triple Energizer Shu (BL22), Kidney Shu (BL23), Waist Yang Pass (BL28), Weizhong (BL40), Yanglingquan (GB34), Juegu (ST10), and other points, including the Shu points of the lumbar and dorsal regions and the sacrospinalis muscles.
3. Common Techniques: Rolling method, palm-root kneading, two-finger kneading, spinal pressing, spinal pinching, friction method, and passive movement techniques.
4. Procedure: Patient lies prone. Practitioner stands on the left side. Begin by applying rolling or palm-base pressing techniques (or alternating both) along both sides of the sacrospinalis muscles, moving from top to bottom. Focus on the thoracic and lumbar segments for approximately 5–8 minutes.
Following this position, continue rolling along the sacrospinalis muscles until reaching areas with pronounced posterior curvature of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Apply spinal pressing (overlapping hands, placing palms on the curved area and slowly pressing downward) as appropriate. Adjust pressure intensity based on patient tolerance, typically performing 3–10 presses. For the upper thoracic region, perform unilateral chest extension with spinal pressing;For the lower thoracic region, perform passive lumbar extension.
Following the above position, apply a two-finger kneading technique to the back shu points, focusing on P-Shu (SP15), St-Shu (ST21), Sanjiao-Shu (BL22), and Kidney-Shu (BL23). A sensation of soreness and distension indicating qi arrival is optimal. Spend 1 minute per point. Then, knead the points Yangguang (BL31), Weizhong (BL40), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Juegu (ST34) for a total of 2 minutes.
Proceed with spinal捏脊 (pinching) technique starting from the sacrococcygeal region, ascending through the lumbosacral, lumbar, and thoracic segments to the cervical-thoracic region. For enhanced treatment in the thoracic and lumbar segments, reinforce with the "three lifts and one squeeze" method or pressure on back-shu points.
Conclude by rubbing the chest-lumbar segments of the Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian until warmth is felt. Finish treatment by rubbing the entire back.