The single methods are the units from which compound techniques are assembled. Rotation tonifies when the thumb moves forward and reduces when it moves backward. Lifting and thrusting tonifies when the heavy movement is downward and reduces when it is upward. Slow insertion and fast withdrawal tonifies; fast insertion and slow withdrawal reduces.
Two further methods work by other means. Directional needling follows the channel to tonify and opposes it to reduce. The respiratory method manipulates in coordination with inhalation and exhalation, and the open-closed method presses or leaves open the point on withdrawal. Each is simple in itself; the skill lies in consistency.