Pressing And Shaking (vibrations)

Closely connected with the massage proper are the oscillatory movements, - which we call vibrations, - used principally upon the extremities and over some of the internal organs. We have two principal forms of vibrations - viz., digital, with one or more fingers; palmar, with the palm of the hand. In digital vibration the operator uses his fingers in vertical motion over a nerve or separate organ, no flexion or extension of the hand being allowed, as too heavy pressure will then be made. " The straining of the muscles in the operator's arm ought to be so slight as to be scarcely perceptible to any one who has his hand over them."

In Fig. 26 we have represented a digital vibration of the forearm. Vibration of the whole arm is given in the following manner: The operator grasps the hand and shoulder, keeping the arm in an extended position, and shakes as quickly as possible. The movement may also be performed by two operators, as shown in Fig. 27.

In vibration of the leg the operator grasps the foot with one hand and the thigh, as high as possible, with the other; he raises the limb up and shakes it quickly. In Fig. 28 we have demonstrated the palmar vibration of the liver. Change the position of the hand several times, so as to act upon the different parts of the organ. In vibration of the spleen the hand is placed in a similar position.

Vibration at the pit of the stomach is clearlydemonstrated in Fig. 29. Place the finger-tips about two inches below the ensiform cartilage and perform the shaking backward and upward. The patient may also stand with his hands clasped at the back of his head. This form of vibration is exceedingly useful in certain affections of the stomach. It also acts strongly upon the solar plexus.

Pressing and shaking of the bladder. The patient is lying flat on his back with knees drawn up so as to relax the abdominal muscles. The operator stands at his side, as in Fig. 30, and with his fingers he performs a gentle pressure and quick vibrations. Used in affections of the bladder and the prostate and, with modifications, also in uterine and rectal troubles.

Vibration of the larynx is shown in Fig. 31. The thumb is placed on one side of the thyroid cartilage and the fingers on the other. It should be performed gently at first until the patient becomes used to it.

In Fig. 32 we show the vibration of the eyes. The patient is sitting with the back supported. The operator stands behind and places two fingers over each eye. The lids should not move up and down, but be kept steady, as the vibration is generated through them. Vibrations are also used over the pharynx, the thorax (one hand on each side generally), the head, the heart and different parts of the abdomen. The author frequently uses the vibration of the descending colon and over the sigmoid flexure with the most excellent results. Pressing and shaking have a stimulating and strengthening effect upon the nerves ; they also act strongly upon the circulation of the venous blood-vessels and the lymphatics.