Pediatric cough is a common respiratory disease in children. The blood vessels, trachea, and bronchial mucosa in children's respiratory tract are delicate and prone to inflammation when stimulated by external factors. Winter and spring are high seasons for pediatric cough. Massage on relevant acupoints can help relieve cough, reduce wheezing, promote smooth breathing, and alleviate pediatric cough. Below, I will teach you the techniques of pediatric massage to relieve cough and dissolve phlegm.
Rub Fengchi Acupoint
Location: Located at the back of the neck, below the occipital bone, at the same level as the earlobe, in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and trapezius muscle.
Procedure: Use the thumb pad to rub Fengchi acupoint for 1-2 minutes, until a local soreness or swelling sensation is felt.
Separate Tantzhong Acupoint
Location: Located on the chest, on the midline, at the level of the fourth intercostal space, the midpoint between the two nipples.
Procedure: Use both thumbs to separate and rub from Tantzhong acupoint to the nipples, repeating the motion 100-200 times.
Press and Rub Hegu Acupoint
Location: Located on the back of the hand, between the first and second metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone.
Procedure: Use the thumb pad to press and rub Hegu acupoint 50-100 times, until a local soreness or swelling sensation is felt.
Press and Hold Yongquan Acupoint
Location: Located on the sole of the foot, at the intersection of the anterior 1/3 and posterior 2/3 of the line connecting the tips of the second and third toes with the heel.
Procedure: Use the thumb pad to press and hold Yongquan acupoint 30-50 times, until a local soreness or swelling sensation is felt.
Massage Techniques for Treating Cough and Dissolving Phlegm
External Wind Cold Type: Symptoms include cough with clear and watery phlegm, clear nasal discharge, headache and body aches, aversion to cold without fever or with slight fever, no sweating, and no thirst. Massage the Lung Yu and Spleen Yu acupoints accordingly.
External Wind Heat Type: Symptoms include thick and yellow phlegm, turbid nasal discharge, fever, sweating, sore throat, dark yellow urine. Massage the Jingning and Zusanli acupoints accordingly.
Internal Injury Cough: Symptoms include persistent cough, pale complexion, shortness of breath, sweating, fatigue. Massage the Shénquè and Guānyuán acupoints accordingly.
Analysis of Massage Techniques for Relieving Cough and Dissolving Phlegm
Massaging the above acupoints can help release the exterior and tonify the lungs, warm the lungs, relieve cough, and dissolve phlegm. It can alleviate the discomfort of cough and gradually relieve the symptoms. For chronic cough, which can damage qi and yang, acupoints such as Yongquan and Guānyuán have the function of replenishing qi, regulating qi, strengthening the body, and warming yang.
