Techniques for tonification and dispersion can generally be categorized as follows:
1. Massage performed in the direction of meridian flow is considered tonification; massage against the direction of meridian flow is considered dispersion.
2. Based on massage intensity, techniques can be divided into heavy and light methods.Heavy techniques, requiring relatively greater force, belong to the dispersing method; light techniques, requiring relatively less force, belong to the reinforcing method; moderate force constitutes the balanced reinforcing and dispersing method.
3. Based on the direction of blood flow, massaging toward the direction blood flows out of the heart is reinforcing; massaging in the same direction as blood flow out of the heart is dispersing.Alternatively, it may refer to the direction of meridians. Human blood vessels are not meridians; meridians are an unknown network currently unverifiable by modern medicine yet widely acknowledged to exist. 4. Based on the rotational direction of the technique, clockwise massage is tonifying, while counterclockwise massage is dispersing. Simultaneous clockwise and counterclockwise massage constitutes balanced tonification and dispersion.The Secret Manual of Pediatric Massage states: "Left rotation tonifies, right rotation drains." This refers to abdominal massage, where the patient's own direction serves as the reference. Clockwise massage has a pronounced laxative effect and is considered a draining technique; counterclockwise massage enhances gastrointestinal digestive function, strengthening the spleen and harmonizing the stomach, thus serving as a tonifying technique.When massaging the temples, rubbing toward the eyes is a tonifying method that strengthens tendons and replenishes deficiency; rubbing toward the ears is a dispersing method that clears wind, resolves exterior patterns, clears heat, improves vision, and relieves headaches.Pushing along the spine from top to bottom has a heat-clearing effect, constituting a dispersing technique. Similarly, for the Seven Vertebrae (a straight line from the fourth lumbar vertebra to the coccyx): pushing upward from bottom to top (Pushing Upward on the Seven Vertebrae) warms yang and stops diarrhea, treating cold-deficiency diarrhea; pushing downward from top to bottom (Pushing Downward on the Seven Vertebrae) disperses heat and promotes bowel movements, treating intestinal heat constipation.
Apply moderate pressure during acupoint massage. Excessive force causing unbearable pain is harmful, while too light pressure yields no effect. A sensation of mild soreness and fullness is optimal.