[Overview]

Open-close reinforcement and reduction are frequently mentioned in the Neijing. For example, the Lingshu-Guanneng states, "For draining, one must... enlarge the hole by shaking, allowing the qi to exit swiftly; for tonifying, one must... swiftly withdraw the needle while the qi descends, push the skin, and cover the external opening, so that the vital qi is preserved." The Lingshu-Zhongshi records, "For a solid area, insert deeply and press lightly to expel pathogenic qi; for a deficient area, insert shallowly to nourish the vessels, press swiftly, and prevent pathogenic qi from entering." The Suwen-Cizhi Lun states, "For entering a solid area, open the needle hole with the left hand; for entering a deficient area, close the needle hole with the left hand." These passages explain that pressing the needle hole swiftly after withdrawal is for tonification, while shaking to enlarge the needle hole without pressing is for draining. As for the Suwen‧Needle Explanation, which mentions "the timing of tonification and draining should align with the opening and closing of qi," it refers to the rise and fall of nutrient-defense qi and blood in multiple abscesses, later developed into the "hour-prescription of points" in midnight-noon ebb-low acupuncture.

[Operational Method]

After withdrawing the needle, swiftly press the needle hole for the tonifying method; when withdrawing the needle, shake to enlarge the needle hole without pressing for the draining method.

(Illustration)

[Clinical Application]

This method is often used in combination with other techniques and is generally not applied alone.

[Precautions]

The tonifying method requires withdrawing the needle with the right hand and pressing the needle hole with the left hand; for the draining method, shake to enlarge the needle hole, as if shaking someone's head.