Pediatric massage is a method of massaging a certain part or acupoint of an infant's body to achieve the effects of disease prevention and health enhancement. Pediatric massage has a wide range of therapeutic effects and is effective in treating various common childhood diseases. Let's take a look at the benefits of pediatric massage below.
Benefits of Pediatric Massage
1. Enhances physical strength
Massage can accelerate metabolism, promote the dissipation and elimination of lactic acid, relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, eliminate fatigue. Massage can activate the muscles of the baby's whole body, making the limbs stronger and the body healthier.
2. Boosts immune system
Infants' organs are delicate and their organ functions are not fully developed. Therefore, babies have weaker resistance and defense capabilities against various diseases. Massage can enhance the child's immune system and resistance, strengthen their constitution, and reduce the occurrence of illnesses, allowing children to grow up healthy.
3. Improves appetite
Stroking and massaging infants can stimulate the body to produce more hormones, promote the secretion of insulin and pancreatic glucagon, and increase the amount of food intake in infants. It also promotes stomach acid secretion, strengthens gastric contraction and gastrointestinal function, and facilitates digestion and excretion of food.
4. Enhances sleep quality
Newborn babies are in an important stage of growth and development. Their nervous system is not yet fully mature and they are prone to fatigue. Therefore, they need sufficient and deep sleep to maintain a pleasant mood and stimulate their appetite, which is beneficial for their growth.
Common Acupoints for Pediatric Massage
1. Four Horizontal Lines
Location: The four lines refer to the four horizontal lines near the first joint of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the child's hand.
Technique: Parents can use their thumbnail to pinch and knead these acupoints on the child's hands, with moderate pressure that the child can tolerate but feels slightly painful. Pinch each finger for 2-3 minutes.
Function: This method is highly effective in treating food accumulation, abdominal distension, and indigestion. It is often referred to as the "stomach-strengthening and digestion-improving pill" in pediatric massage.
2. Zu San Li
Location: Zu San Li is located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the calf nose, one horizontal finger's width away from the front edge of the shin bone (middle finger).
Technique: Use the fingertip to push and press Zu San Li acupoint for 1-3 minutes.
Function: Zu San Li has a beneficial dual-regulating effect on the digestive system. For example, it can stop diarrhea when massaged during diarrhea, and promote bowel movements when massaged during constipation.
Precautions for Pediatric Massage
1. Diagnosis before massage
Before performing pediatric massage treatment, there must be a clear diagnosis based on syndrome differentiation. If parents are not sure, it is advisable to seek medical advice first.
2. Suitable environment
When giving pediatric massage, choose a place that is sheltered from wind, strong light, and has minimal noise. The indoor environment should be quiet, clean, with fresh air and suitable temperature. After massage, avoid wind and refrain from consuming raw and cold food.
3. Cleanliness and hygiene
Parents should keep their hands clean during massage, remove rings, bracelets, and other ornaments. Nails should be regularly trimmed, and newly trimmed nails should be filed flat with a nail file. In winter, hands should be kept warm during massage.
4. Preventing scratches
Infants' skin is delicate, so avoid scratching their skin during massage. For home massage, massage oil or talcum powder can be used to prevent skin damage during massage.
5. Pay attention to timing
Massaging a child when they are excessively hungry or full is not conducive to the therapeutic effects of massage. If the child is crying, it is important to first calm their emotions before performing the massage.
