Coughing is a common symptom in children, which can be caused by external pathogens or internal organ damage affecting the lungs, leading to symptoms such as sound and phlegm. Coughs in children are generally classified into two types: external and internal. External coughs are more common in children and should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Massage therapy can be used as an adjunct treatment. Let's take a look at the illustrated guide for pediatric massage therapy for coughing.
Clearing the Lung Meridian 100 times
The child lies on their back, and the masseur stands on the child's side. One hand supports the child's forearm, and the other hand uses the thumb to push straight from the spiral surface of the child's little finger towards the fingertips. Repeat this motion 100 times. Pay attention to applying even pressure and keeping the area in close contact with the child's skin while pushing in a straight line.
Rubbing Tiantu Point 30-50 times
The child lies on their back, and the masseur stands on the child's side. Apply pressure to the Tiantu acupoint (located in the middle of the depression on the upper edge of the sternal notch) with the fingertip of the middle finger, rubbing it 30-50 times. Adjust the pressure according to the child's tolerance.
Rubbing Renzhong Point 300 times
The child lies on their back, and the masseur stands on the child's side. Place the fingertip of one hand's index and middle fingers on the midpoint of the line connecting the child's two nipples, which is the Renzhong acupoint. Apply rotating pressure with the fingertip, rubbing it 300 times.
Rubbing Feishu Acupoints for 2-3 minutes
The child lies on their back, and the masseur stands on the child's side. Use the fingertip of one hand's index finger to apply rotating pressure on the Feishu acupoints (located 1.5 inches away from the lower edge of the 3rd thoracic vertebra spinous process on the back) on both sides of the child's back for 2-3 minutes.
Performing the Internal Eight-Trigram Exercise 100 times
The child lies on their back, and the masseur stands on the child's side. One hand supports the child's four fingers, making the palms face up. The other hand holds the child's thumb between the index and middle fingers and rotates it clockwise at the base of the child's palm with the thumb. Repeat this motion 100 times. The pressure should be light, slow, and performed in a circular motion on the surface of the body.
Pediatric Cough Massage Therapy Based on Different Types
External Cough
1. Pressing Hegu Point: The child sits or lies down, and the masseur stands on the child's side. One hand supports the child's forearm, and the other hand uses the thumbnail to press the Hegu acupoint on the child's hand. Be careful not to break the child's skin with the nail.
2. Rubbing Yiwofeng Point: The child lies on their back, and the masseur stands on the child's side. One hand supports the child's forearm, making the palm face up. The other hand uses the spiral surface of the thumb to rub the Yiwofeng acupoint on the child's hand 300 times. Apply even pressure with moderate strength, adjusting according to the child's tolerance.
3. Opening Tianmen Point: The child lies on their back, and the masseur sits in front of the child's head. Use the thumb pads of both hands to apply pressure from the forehead to the Shen Ting acupoint, continuously moving in a wiping motion for 30-50 times. Use the proximal end of the thumb to lead the distal end, moving in a single direction (up-down or left-right), while the other four fingers are placed on both sides of the head for stabilization.
4. Pushing Kangong Point: The child lies on their back, and the masseur sits in front of the child's head. Use the radial side of the thumb pads of both hands to apply pressure from the center of the eyebrow to the end of the eyebrow, continuously pushing for 30-50 times.
5. Holding and Rubbing Fengchi Points: The child lies on their back, and the masseur sits behind the child. One hand supports the child's forehead, and the other hand uses the spiral surface of the thumb and index finger to hold and rub the Fengchi points on the child's neck for 2 minutes.
6. Rubbing Taiyang Points: The child lies on their back, and the masseur sits in front of the child's head. Place the spiral surface of both thumbs tightly against the temples on both sides of the child's head and rub in a circular motion. The other four fingers lightly support the back of the child's head. Repeat this rubbing motion for 2 minutes.
Internal Cough
1. Tonifying the Spleen Meridian: The child lies on their back, and the masseur stands on the child's side. One hand supports the child's forearm, and the other hand uses the spiral surface of the thumb to rotate and push clockwise on the thumb pad of the child's hand. Repeat this motion 100 times.
2. Pushing the Kidney Meridian: The child lies on their back, and the masseur stands on the child's side. One hand supports the child's forearm, and the other hand uses the spiral surface of the thumb to push straight from the tip of the child's little finger towards the base. Repeat this motion 300 times.
3. Rubbing Zusanli Point: The child lies on their back, and the masseur stands on the child's side. Use the thumb of one hand to apply pressure to the Zusanli point on the child's foot, employing kneading techniques for 3 minutes.
4. Rubbing Yongquan Point: The child lies on their back, and the masseur stands on the child's side. One hand supports the child's heel, and the other hand uses the spiral surface of the thumb to rub the Yongquan point on the child's foot 50-100 times.
