Reinforcing and reducing methods refer to specific needling manipulations used to treat asthenia and sthenia syndromes. They can be used to regulate the asthenia and sthenia states of the body. In terms of manipulations, the reinforcing and reducing manipulations in each kind of reinforcing-reducing method are in relation to each other. The following are some of the commonly used methods in clinical treatment:
(1) Reinforcing and reducing manipulation by twirling and rotating the needle
When qi is obtained after insertion of the needle, rotating the needle gently and slowly with small amplitude is known as the reinforcing manipulation, while rotating the needle rapidly with large amplitude is known as the reducing manipulation. Rotating the needle forward with the thumb and backward with the index finger means reinforcing, while rotate the needle backward with the thumb and forward with the index finger means reducing.
(2) Reinforcing and reducing manipulation by lifting and thrusting the needle
After the needling sensation has been achieved, the reinforcing effect is obtained by repeatedly thrusting the needle heavily and rapidly and then lifting the needle gently and slowly. The reducing effect is achieved by repeatedly lifting the needle forcefully and rapidly and then thrusting the needle gently and slowly.
(3) Reinforcing and reducing manipulation by rapid and slow insertion and withdrawal of the needle
After the needle is inserted into the subcutaneous level, inserting the needle slowly and withdrawing it rapidly means reinforcing, while inserting the needle rapidly and withdrawing it slowly means reducing.
(4) Reinforcing and reducing manipulation by keeping the needled acupoint open or close
Pressing the acupoint quickly to close it after the withdrawal of the needle means reinforcing, while shaking it to enlarge the needled hole means reducing.
(5) Reinforcing and reducing manipulation by the direction of the needle tip toward which the tip of the needle points
The needle tip pointing to the direction following the flowing route of the meridian means reinforcing while the needle tip pointing to the direction against the flowing route of the meridian means reducing.
(6) Reinforcing and reducing manipulation by means of respiration
The reinforcing is achieved by inserting the needle when the patient breathes out and withdrawing the needle when the patient breathes in. The opposite way of practice means reducing.
The above reinforcing and reducing methods can be used individually or in combination. In addition, for treatment of diseases without typical sthenia or asthenia syndrome, mild reinforcing and reducing method can be used. Mild reinforcing and reducing method means to lift and thrust as well as twirl and rotate the needle evenly and gently at moderate speed when the needle is inserted into the acupoint.