TCM massage for drug rehabilitation is a distinctive program within Gansu Province's judicial and administrative detoxification efforts. The Gansu Provincial Third Compulsory Isolation Drug Rehabilitation Center consistently prioritizes this TCM massage program, actively fostering an environment conducive to its practice.

Today, let's explore what TCM massage entails.

Traditional Chinese Medicine massage is a traditional therapeutic approach. It involves applying techniques to specific acupoints and areas of the human body to promote Qi and blood circulation, regulate organ function, unblock meridians, balance emotions, and achieve health preservation effects. Below, we introduce the common techniques, important considerations, and contraindications for TCM massage.

There are dozens of TCM massage techniques. Eight commonly promoted fundamental techniques are: Pressing (An), Rubbing (Mo), Pushing (Tui), Grasping (Na), Pinching (Nie), Kneading (Rou), Vibrating (Chan), and Tapping (Da). These techniques are often combined in practice rather than used in isolation.

Meridian Theory in Practice

In health preservation practices, acupoint massage guided by TCM meridian theory is highly popular due to its convenience, speed, and notable effectiveness. Acupoint massage is particularly suitable for self-administered health routines. Stimulation of specific points, whether by a practitioner or by individuals themselves, can achieve the goals of unblocking meridians, promoting Qi and blood flow, regulating organ function, and strengthening the body's resistance.

1. Important Considerations for TCM Massage Therapy:

① The environment should have a suitable temperature and humidity to avoid chills.
② The pressure applied should be based on the recipient's tolerance, constitution, and condition. It should be within the recipient's bearable range, producing a sensation of soreness, distention, or pressure at the site. Techniques should be gentler for acute conditions or recent injuries; they can be firmer for chronic conditions or long-standing issues.
③ The typical massage duration is 20-30 minutes, but this should be adjusted according to the severity of the condition—shorter for mild cases, longer for severe ones.
④ For patients with acute ankle sprains or acute lower back strains, massage therapy should only begin after 3 days of rest to prevent worsening the injury or causing increased bleeding.
⑤ The practitioner must ensure the recipient's safety by trimming fingernails and removing bracelets, rings, watches, etc., to prevent skin damage during the procedure.
⑥ Apply pressure evenly, balancing firmness and gentleness.
⑦ Continuously observe the recipient's reactions. If dizziness, palpitations, or nausea occur, it indicates the technique is too strong and should be adjusted. If the recipient faints, immediately have them lie flat, apply strong pressure to Renzhong (GV26) and Shixuan (EX-UE11) points, and then administer warm sugar water.

2. Contraindications for TMC Massage Therapy:

① Individuals with bleeding tendencies, such as thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, allergic purpura, or leukemia, should not receive massage.
② Massage should not be performed immediately on new injuries during the stage of bruising and swelling.
③ Massage is prohibited for individuals with fractures, skin scalds, burns, open wounds, acute appendicitis, peritonitis, or intestinal perforation.
④ Patients suffering from acute diseases should generally avoid massage.
⑤ Abdominal massage is not suitable for pregnant women or women during their menstrual period.
⑥ Massage therapy should be used cautiously in individuals with severe heart disease. Additionally, it is not advised for individuals with psychiatric disorders, those who are overly full, very hungry, or intoxicated.

TCM massage is economical and convenient. It requires no special medical equipment and is not limited by time, location, or weather conditions—it can be performed anywhere, anytime. It is a safe, reliable, easy-to-learn, and easy-to-use method with no side effects. Because of these advantages, TCM massage is becoming an increasingly popular health and wellness practice among the general public.