Tuina for post surgical adhesions

This treatment is designed to be done following major surgery where there is a wound, anesthesia side effects and reduced gastrointestinal activity.

The application should be modified according to the extent of physical access and degree of trauma. The simplest method is to massage the lower legs and feet of the patient paying special attention to the acupoints on the Liver, Kidney, Spleen, Stomach, Gall Bladder and Urinary Bladder channels.

1. Press-release- palm- regulate the breath on the chest or abdomen.
This can be done with only spoken instructions and very light touch. If possible, place one hand, palm up, under the lower back across B23, 25, Du4, 3. The other hand goes on top. Use diaphragmatic breathing.

2. Grasping-legs, feet. Acupoints-St.36, Sp 6 ,3, 2, G34, K7, 3, 1. 2-3minutes each point, until qi sensation arrives

3. Passive movement-ankles, toes

4. Rubbing-palm, thenar eminence -R12, epigastric area, R6, 5, lower abdominal area

5. Press-release-thumb, fingers – Du16-20, Du20-Yintang, R22-17, R17-15, R15-12, R12-6, 5. Press and release until qi sensation arrives at each acupoint.

6. Grasping – legs, feet, acupoints as above.

The length of treatment is determined according to the extent of the trauma and weakness of the patient. The more trauma and deficiency, the shorter the treatment. This can be done 2 times a day until patient is released from hospital.

Tuina Post Surgical Treatment for Adhesions

1. Grasping- abdomen, legs, feet

2. Rubbing thenar eminence, palm-abdomen. 3-5 minutes

3. Identify area of adhesions/obstruction. Use pressing and pushing alternately with thumbs, fingers, knuckles or elbows to disperse the area. Lubricating oil or lotion may be necessary to prevent friction trauma and to soften the area.

4. Grasping – above and below site of obstruction

5. Press-release – acupoints local and distal to the site.

6. Finger springing- above and below

7. Chafe with liniment- area