Pediatric toothache refers to the pain in children's teeth caused by internal or external factors, often accompanied by varying degrees of gum swelling. According to traditional Chinese medicine, toothache is related to the rise of stomach fire or deficiency fire, and it can be divided into empirical and deficiency types. Massage on relevant acupoints can clear stomach fire, nourish kidney yin, reduce swelling and relieve pain, and improve pediatric toothache. Let's learn the massage methods for pediatric toothache and swelling.
Common Massage Methods for Pediatric Toothache
Rubbing Hegu: Hegu is located between the first and second metacarpal bones on the back of the hand, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone. Use the thumb to rub Hegu clockwise for 1-3 minutes, until there is a local soreness and swelling sensation.
Pressing Quepen: Quepen is located in the central part of the suprasternal fossa, 4 inches away from the midline. Use the middle fingertip of both hands to press Quepen on both sides for 1 minute, until there is a local soreness and swelling sensation.
Pressing Jia Che: Jia Che is located in the cheek area, about 1 horizontal finger (middle finger) above the lower jaw angle. When chewing, the masseter muscle bulges, and press the concave part with the index and middle fingertips for 1-2 minutes, until there is a local soreness and swelling sensation.
Pressing Xiaguan: Xiaguan is located in front of the ear on the face, in the depression formed by the zygomatic arch and the mandibular notch. Close the index and middle fingers, and press Xiaguan with the fingertips for 1-2 minutes, until there is a local soreness and swelling sensation.
Massage Methods for Empirical Type Toothache
Main Symptoms: In addition to toothache, the child also has red and swollen gums, and even swelling and pain in the external cheek. There may be bad breath, usually accompanied by headache, fever, constipation, scanty dark urine, etc.
Massage Main Acupoints: Rub Xiaotianxin for 5 minutes, rub Yiwo Feng for 3 minutes; push and nourish the kidney meridian for 5 minutes, push Qingbanmen acupoint for 5 minutes; push Qing Tianhe water for 1 minute, rub Hegu acupoint for 1 minute.
Main Acupoint Effects: Rubbing Xiaotianxin and Yiwo Feng can dispel wind evil and help treat toothache from the root cause; pushing and nourishing the kidney meridian, pushing Qingbanmen can clear heat and dampness, lower body temperature, and eliminate bad breath; pushing Qing Tianhe water and rubbing Hegu acupoint can effectively relieve toothache.
Massage Auxiliary Acupoints: Push Qingfei meridian for 5 minutes, push the six fu organs below for 5 minutes; rub Yangchi acupoint for 1 minute.
Auxiliary Acupoint Effects: Pushing Qingfei meridian and the six fu organs below can relieve symptoms of constipation; rubbing Yangchi acupoint has the effect of clearing heat.
Massage Methods for Deficiency Type Toothache
Main Symptoms: The pain symptoms are not very obvious, and the gums and external cheeks are usually normal. The body temperature is normal, and there are no signs of bad breath.
Massage Main Acupoints: Push and nourish the kidney meridian for 7 minutes; rub Erren Shangma acupoint for 5 minutes; rub Hegu acupoint for 1 minute.
Main Acupoint Effects: Pushing and nourishing the kidney meridian is the fundamental treatment; rubbing Erren Shangma can clear heat and descend fire, treating the rise of deficiency fire; rubbing Hegu acupoint can effectively relieve toothache symptoms.
Massage Auxiliary Acupoints: Rub Xiaotianxin acupoint for 5 minutes.
Auxiliary Acupoint Effects: Rubbing Xiaotianxin can clear heat and descend fire, and calm stomach heat.
Prevention and Regulation of Pediatric Toothache
Massaging the above acupoints can alleviate inflammation and pain. After understanding the specific causes of pediatric toothache, parents can use massage techniques combined with medication to better help children relieve toothache.
Avoid stimulating foods for teeth and gums as much as possible; eating less sweets, snacks, cold drinks, etc. can help relieve toothache.
