Qì-moving technique

Any of several techniques applied in acupuncture after needles have been inserted and qì has been obtained to help the movement of qì to and from the disease locus. Qì-moving techniques include the following three.

Needle-driving method (逼针法 bī zhēn fǎ): Pressure is applied at the location of the tip of the needle where qì is obtained; the needle is made to point in the direction of the desired flow of qì. The practitioner then concentrates his qì at the needle to force the qì to move. To drain, the action is performed while the patient breathes out, whereas to supplement, it is performed while the patient breathes in.

Qì-pushing method: (推气法 tuī qì fǎ) The flesh is lifted between the thumb and index finger at the point of insertion, and the needle is angled in the desired direction of qì flow, thrust forcefully while being rotated up to the crease on the inside of the thumb, and then retracted. The action is performed several times.

Damming method: (按截法 àn jié fǎ) After obtaining qì, lifting and thrusting and rotation are performed with the right hand, while left presses one side of the insertion point. If the qì is required to flow down the channel, the pressure is applied just above the insertion point; if it needs to move up the channel, pressure is applied just below it.