Introducing Chinese Manipulative Therapy

Chinese manipulative therapy (CMT) is a general term for all the therapeutic methods which treat patients by simply using the therapist's hands under the guidance of the theory of TCM. The therapist treats patients by exerting gentle or heavy force in different directions or frequencies on the areas to separate adhesion, reduce fracture and dislocation, relieve pain or spasms, relax muscles and tendons, unblock channels, invigorate blood, regulate qi, and the functions of zang-fu and nervous system. CMT is the part of TCM with its own specific theory and specialized practice.Using the magic hands, the therapist can either make diagnosis or treatment through manipulative performances such as kneading, pressing, pushing and knocking, etc. The diagnosis and treatment have been combined holistically. CMT can be used for the treatment and health maintenance purposes with high efficacy and few side effects.

With widespread clinical practice and development of the CMT theory, more and more special CMT methods such as tendon-treating, bone-setting and percussing, and massotherapies for pediatric patient, athletes, health maintenance and facial have appeared. Massotherapies along or on channels, spine, lymphatic system, skull and foot are also been used. In some cases, CMT is combined with external application of herbal liquor or acupuncture in clinic.

Key Words: Introducing, Chinese manipulative therapy