Parents with young babies often encounter health problems such as lack of energy, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. As parents, it can be very worrying, but traditional Chinese spinal massage therapy can be tried when these problems occur.
Spinal massage therapy has a long history in treating diseases. It has been recorded in ancient Chinese medical literature. Because this therapy is simple to perform, easy to learn, and does not require special tools or medications, it is widely spread among the general population. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and massage therapists often use this method to treat certain pediatric conditions. If the conditions are suitable and the techniques are applied properly, it can have miraculous effects, making it an excellent therapy in Chinese pediatrics.
Pediatric spinal massage therapy is a treatment method that combines various massage techniques such as pinching, pushing, twisting, kneading, and lifting, and applies them to the muscles on both sides of the child's spine.
There are two methods of operation:
One is to use the thumb and index finger to hold the skin on both sides of the spine, with the thumb pushing forward, pinching and pushing from the coccyx to the occiput; the other is to hold a clenched fist, with the thumb and flexed index finger holding the skin on both sides of the spine, with the thumb twisting backward and the index finger pushing forward, pinching and pushing from the coccyx to the occiput. These two methods can be chosen according to the operator's habits and convenience. Generally, pinching from both sides of the coccyx to the occiput is considered one cycle, and it is performed 5 times in a row. Depending on the child's condition and tolerance, it can be done 1-2 times a day, either in the morning or before bedtime.
When performing spinal massage therapy on a child, it is important to choose a comfortable and natural position. The position should be quiet and still, or with minimal movement, and it is best to have the child lie on the adult's body or thigh. For slightly older children, they can lie on the bed. Before treatment, the operator should wash their hands, loosen or remove the child's upper clothing, and expose the entire back. However, attention should be paid to the indoor temperature to prevent the child from catching a cold. After the massage, the child should not immediately eat or drink cold beverages. During the massage, the techniques should be gentle, slow, flexible, and natural. Both hands should exert equal and consistent pressure, and the speed and frequency of the massage should not be too fast. The skin should be pinched enough. If too little skin is pinched, the child may feel pain and discomfort and refuse treatment. Before performing spinal massage therapy on a child, the operator should practice on their own legs or on another adult's body to ensure correct techniques and appropriate pressure. If the child's back skin is damaged, or if they have boils, abscesses, or skin diseases, spinal massage therapy should not be applied.
Spinal massage therapy is a non-drug treatment method that is relatively safe and does not have the toxic side effects of medications. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it can help clear the meridians, balance yin and yang, promote the circulation of qi and blood, improve organ function, and enhance the body's overall ability. It is particularly effective in strengthening the spleen and stomach and regulating gastrointestinal function. In recent years, medical researchers have confirmed through experiments that spinal massage therapy can increase the levels of hemoglobin, plasma protein, and serum amylase in children. It can also improve immune function and enhance intestinal absorption. It has good therapeutic effects on pediatric conditions such as malnutrition, indigestion, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, frequent urination, coughing, wheezing, and night crying. When a baby has these symptoms, parents can try spinal massage therapy to help them recover.
Prevention Tips
1. Eat grains with milk
Babies with lactose intolerance may experience more severe symptoms when they drink milk on an empty stomach. However, when milk is consumed with other foods, the lactose concentration may be "diluted" in a specific environment. The action of chyme in the stomach and intestines can increase the absorption rate of lactose. For example, eating biscuits or bread before drinking milk can reduce gas and discomfort.
2. Small amounts multiple times
Even babies with lactase deficiency can tolerate small amounts of dairy products (30-50 milliliters) without experiencing intolerance symptoms. Therefore, when breastfeeding, mothers can also use the method of feeding small amounts multiple times, with each feeding not exceeding 50 milliliters. Drinking more times a day can still achieve the recommended milk intake. Over time, the lactase in the baby's intestines will gradually increase (referred to as "enzyme induction" in medicine), and the baby will be able to reduce the reaction to lactose intolerance or avoid the symptoms altogether.
3. Drink yogurt
Yogurt is produced by adding a certain amount of lactobacillus and fermenting it. The fermentation process breaks down 20%-30% of the lactose in raw milk, and the protein and fat also break down into smaller components, making it easier to digest and absorb. Therefore, drinking yogurt can prevent the occurrence of discomfort symptoms.
