Originally Posted by Tom Yum

How are various open handed strikes impractical?

Double knife hand chops aimed at the neck would stun (if not drop) your opponent to loosen his grip or hold so you can control his balance.

Palm heels thrown with the same body mechanics as say a right cross could break a nose, teeth or lead to a knockout. Using a spear hand strike while in your opponents guard or a ridge hand while in a guillotine might buy a second of time you need to get a reversal.