TCM for epidemics: Guasha treatment, back view

Back-view illustration of guasha [scraping] treatment from Fangyi chuyan (A Modest Proposal for Epidemic Prevention), Appendix, Jiuyi suxiao liangfa: Guasha tushuo (Rapid and Effective Emergency Treatment Methods for Epidemics: Guasha Treatment Explained in Pictures). Edition printed in 1918 (7th year of the Chinese Republic).

Fangyi chuyan (A Modest Proposal for Epidemic Prevention) is a treatise on epidemiology. It contains sections on the clinical treatment and control of epidemic diseases, and prevention and prophylaxis.

The text states: The locations for guasha treatment on the back of the body include the indentation at the back of the head, the tendons at the side of the spine, and the weizhong (Middle of the Crook) acu-moxa point). One must first prepare a smooth copper coin, lubricated with sesame oil, salt water or vinegar. One begins at the indentation at the back of the neck, i.e. the indentation at the top of the Great Vertebra (dazhui), underneath the occipital bone (zhengu, lit. Pillow Bone). One then scrapes along the tendons at either side of the backbone. Finally one scrapes the weizhong (Middle of the Crook) point. One continues until the skin locally appears purple or purplish black. Under no circumstances should guasha be carried out on the 'Pillar Bone' (zhugu, spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra/clavicle), so as to avoid damage to the acu-moxa location.

Heading: Illustration of guasha [scraping] treatment, back view Labels: Skin at the front of the neck. Large tendons at the side of the neck. Quche (Carpenter's Square) point. Middle of renmai (the Director Vessel, often translated as Conception Vessel)