Coughing is a common symptom in children, and changes in external temperature are a triggering factor. Coughing can generally be divided into two categories: external coughing and internal coughing. External coughing is more common in children. When a child coughs and is still in good spirits without a fever, massage therapy can be used for treatment. If the child is in poor spirits and has a fever, it is best to seek medical treatment and use massage therapy as an adjunctive treatment. Let's take a look at the massage methods for treating cough in children.
Massage methods for treating external coughing
Symptoms of external coughing include coughing with phlegm, stuffy nose and runny nose, and headache with aversion to cold. For external wind-cold, the phlegm and nasal discharge are clear and watery. For external wind-heat, the phlegm and nasal discharge are yellow and thick.
Massage techniques:
1. The masseur uses the thumb to directly massage the acupuncture points on the palm of the child's ring finger, from the fingertips to the root of the finger, 200-600 times.
2. The masseur uses the tip of the middle finger to rotate and massage the acupuncture point in the middle depression of the child's sternum, 10-15 times.
3. The masseur uses the middle finger to massage the acupuncture point in the middle of the child's two nipples, 50-100 times.
4. The masseur uses both thumbs to push from the acupuncture point in the middle of the child's two nipples to the nipples on both sides, 50-100 times.
5. The masseur uses the middle finger to massage the acupuncture point slightly outside the child's nipple (beside the nipple), 20-50 times.
6. The masseur uses the index finger to massage the acupuncture point slightly below the child's nipple (nipple root), 20-50 times.
7. The masseur uses the index and middle fingers to massage the acupuncture points on the inner side of the child's scapula on the back, 50-100 times.
8. The masseur uses the thumb to push from the middle of the child's eyebrows to the hairline (Gather Bamboo) in a straight line, 30-50 times.
9. The masseur uses both thumbs to push from the middle of the child's eyebrows to the ends of the eyebrows (Kan Palace) in a straight line, 30-50 times.
10. The masseur uses the middle fingers to push the acupuncture point in the slight depression behind the child's eyebrows (Tai Yang), 30-50 times.
11. The masseur uses one hand to support the child's forehead, and the other hand uses the thumb and index finger to gently massage the acupuncture points on both sides of the neck (Feng Chi) for 1-2 minutes.
12. The masseur uses the thumb to push from the inner edge of the child's arm palm (little finger side) from the elbow joint to the wrist in a straight line (Six Fu), 100-300 times.
13. The masseur uses the thumb and index finger to pinch and knead the Hegu acupuncture point for 2-3 minutes.
Massage methods for treating internal coughing
Symptoms of internal coughing include prolonged cough, weight loss, low-grade fever, excessive phlegm, loss of appetite, fatigue, and weakness.
Massage techniques:
1. The masseur uses the thumb to directly massage the acupuncture points on the palm of the child's ring finger, from the fingertips to the root of the finger, 200-600 times.
2. The masseur uses the tip of the middle finger to rotate and massage the acupuncture point in the middle depression of the child's sternum, 10-15 times.
3. The masseur uses the middle finger to massage the acupuncture point in the middle of the child's two nipples, 50-100 times.
4. The masseur uses both thumbs to push from the acupuncture point in the middle of the child's two nipples to the nipples on both sides, 50-100 times.
5. The masseur uses the middle finger to push and massage the acupuncture point slightly outside the child's nipple (beside the nipple), 20-50 times.
6. The masseur uses the index finger to push and massage the acupuncture point slightly below the child's nipple (nipple root), 20-50 times.
7. The masseur uses the index and middle fingers to massage the acupuncture points on the inner side of the child's scapula on the back (Spleen Shu points).
8. The masseur uses the thumb to push from the intersection of the child's thumb and radial side (thumb side) in a straight line (Spleen Meridian), from the fingertips to the root of the finger, 200-600 times.
9. The masseur uses the thumb to push the acupuncture point on the palm side of the child's little finger, from the fingertips to the root of the finger, in a straight line (Kidney Meridian), 200-500 times.
10. The masseur uses the palm to massage the acupuncture point above the child's navel (Zhong Wan), 100-300 times.
11. The masseur uses the thumb to massage the acupuncture point below the child's knee on the outer and lower side (Zu San Li), 50-100 times.
12. The masseur uses the index and middle fingers to massage the acupuncture points on both sides of the child's 2nd lumbar vertebra (Stomach Shu points), 50-100 times.
Differentiation and adjustment massage for coughing in children
1. Wind-cold invading the lungs: Add massage at San Guan points, pinch and knead at Er Shan Men points, and rub the chest and back to dispel cold.
2. Wind-heat attacking the lungs: Add Qing Tian He Shui, and reduce heat and clear the lungs by retreating the six fu organs.
3. Phlegm-heat obstructing the lungs: Add Qing Da Chang, Qing Tian He Shui, and retreat the six fu organs, massage the back to clear and drain lung heat.
4. Phlegm dampness stagnating in the lungs: Tonify the lung meridian, add massage at San Yin Jiao points, massage Yin Ling Quan, massage Feng Long, tonify the spleen meridian, massage Zhong Wan, massage Zu San Li to strengthen the spleen and promote dampness transformation.
5. Lung qi deficiency: Tonify the lung meridian, add tonification of the spleen meridian, massage San Guan points, pinch and knead the spine to warm and tonify the spleen, nourish the lungs and stop coughing.
6. Lung yin deficiency: Add tonification of the kidney meridian, massage Er Ren Shang Ma to nourish yin and tonify the kidneys.
Nursing do's and don'ts for children with cough
1. There are many causes of coughing, and treatment should first be targeted at the cause. Do not use cough suppressants indiscriminately to avoid hindering the discharge of phlegm.
2. Avoid eating spicy, pungent, dry, and greasy foods, as well as fried and deep-fried foods, to prevent internal injury and milk stagnation.
3. For external coughing, avoid eating greasy and pungent foods until the external cause is relieved. Avoid eating overly salty and sour foods until the cough is cured.
4. Eat a light and easily digestible diet, drink plenty of water, eat more fruits and vegetables, and control food intake appropriately.
5. Keep the room well-ventilated, warm, and avoid drafts when sweating; for children with high fever and severe illness, they should rest in bed and use physical cooling methods.
6. Feed children properly, exercise regularly, and enhance their resistance to diseases.
