Chickenpox, also known as "varicella," is an acute eruptive infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It can occur at any time of the year and is highly contagious. It commonly affects children, with the majority of cases occurring in children between the ages of one and four. Now let's take a look at the massage therapy for treating chickenpox in children.
Etiology and Pathogenesis of Chickenpox in Children
The disease is caused by the invasion of wind and heat pathogens, which are inhaled through the mouth and nose, the pathways to the lungs. The lungs govern the skin and hair, and are responsible for descending and dispersing functions. When external pathogens attack the lungs, the normal descending and dispersing functions are disrupted, resulting in symptoms related to the lung's defense system. The lungs and stomach are the source of body fluids, and when the lung's qi is obstructed, it affects the distribution of fluids, leading to the invasion of pathogens in the skin, causing the eruption of chickenpox.
Massage Therapy Prescription for Mild Chickenpox in Children
Main symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, decreased appetite, general discomfort, itching of the skin, and the appearance of rash resembling blisters filled with fluid. The tongue is red with a thin white coating, and the fingerprints are bright red.
Treatment principles: dispel wind and release exterior, clear heat and detoxify.
Massage therapy prescription: clear the Gate of Heaven, clear the River of Heaven, knead the Small Heavenly Heart, push and tonify the Spleen meridian, open the Gate of Heaven, push and tonify the Kidney Palace, promote the Taiyang, and stimulate the high bone behind the ear.
Explanation of Massage Therapy Prescription for Mild Chickenpox in Children
Clearing the River of Heaven and the Gate of Heaven, kneading the Small Heavenly Heart, clears heat and detoxifies; pushing and tonifying the Spleen meridian, opening the Gate of Heaven, pushing and tonifying the Kidney Palace, promoting the Taiyang, and stimulating the high bone behind the ear, dispels wind and releases exterior.
Massage Therapy Prescription for Severe Chickenpox in Children
Main symptoms: invasion of pathogens in the respiratory system, resulting in high fever, thirst, restlessness, large and dense blisters, red tongue, thin yellow coating, and purple-red fingerprints.
Treatment principles: clear heat and detoxify, cool the blood, disperse wind, and relieve heat.
Massage therapy prescription: clear the River of Heaven, retreat the Six Fu organs, knead the Wind Nest, push and tonify the Kidney water, knead the Back of the Horse for two people, clear the Gate of Heaven, push and tonify the Spleen meridian, and stimulate the Eight Trigrams.
Explanation of Massage Therapy Prescription for Severe Chickenpox in Children
Clearing the River of Heaven, retreating the Six Fu organs, clearing heat and detoxifying; kneading the Wind Nest to dispel and release pathogenic heat; retreating the Spleen meridian, stimulating the Eight Trigrams to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, and improve appetite; clearing the Gate of Heaven to clear heat and detoxify; pushing and tonifying the Kidney water to nourish and moisturize the body; kneading the Back of the Horse for two people to nourish Yin and eliminate dampness.
Care and Taboos for Children with Chickenpox
1. During the initial high fever stage of chickenpox, suspend massage therapy at the Three Gates until the body temperature drops to around 38°C before resuming.
2. Isolate the affected child until all blisters scab over and fall off.
3. Ensure indoor air circulation, avoid drafts, and prevent external exposure.
4. The diet should be light and nutritious. Green bean soup can be regularly consumed as a beverage, as it has good heat-clearing and detoxifying effects.
5. Prohibit the child from scratching the chickenpox lesions to prevent skin breakage and secondary infections. If the skin is already scratched, apply 1%-2% gentian violet solution twice daily.
