Child massage is a method of using massage on certain parts or acupoints of infants to achieve the effects of disease prevention and strengthening the body. Child massage has a wide range of therapeutic effects and is effective in treating various common childhood illnesses. Let's take a look at the benefits of child massage.
Benefits of Child Massage
1. Strengthening the body
Massage can speed up metabolism, promote the dissipation and elimination of lactate, relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, eliminate fatigue. Massage can activate the muscles in the baby's body, making the limbs stronger and the body healthier.
2. Boosting the immune system
Infants have delicate organs and their organ functions are not fully developed. Therefore, babies have weaker resistance and defense against various diseases. Massage can enhance the child's immune system and resistance, strengthen their constitution, and reduce the occurrence of illness, allowing children to grow up healthy.
3. Improving appetite
By touching and massaging infants, it 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 can also promote gastric acid secretion, enhance gastric contraction and gastrointestinal function, and promote digestion and excretion of food.
4. Improving sleep
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 induce appetite, which is beneficial for the growth of infants.
Common Acupoints Used in Child Massage
1. Four Horizontal Lines
Location: The four lines refer to the 4 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 the thumbnail of their thumb to pinch and knead this acupoint on the child's hands, with a moderate pressure that the child can tolerate. Pinch each finger for 2-3 minutes.
Effect: This method is very effective in treating indigestion, abdominal distension, and poor digestion, so it is also known as the "stomach-boosting and digestion-improving pill" in child massage.
2. Stomach 36
Location: Stomach 36 is on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the knee, one horizontal finger (middle finger) from the anterior edge of the tibia.
Technique: Use the fingertip to massage and press Stomach 36 for 1-3 minutes.
Effect: Stomach 36 has a beneficial dual-regulating effect on the digestive system. For example, if there is diarrhea, massaging it can stop the diarrhea, and if there is constipation, massaging it can promote bowel movements.
Precautions for Child Massage
1. Diagnosis before massage
Prior to child massage treatment, a clear diagnosis must be made. If parents are unsure, it is best to seek medical advice first.
2. Suitable environment
When giving a child massage, choose a place that is sheltered from wind, strong light, and has minimal noise. The indoor environment should be clean, quiet, with fresh air and suitable temperature. After the massage, avoid exposure to wind and avoid eating raw or cold food.
3. Cleanliness and hygiene
Parents should keep their hands clean during the massage, remove rings, bracelets, and other accessories. Nails should be kept trimmed, and after trimming, use a nail file to smooth the nails. In winter, warm hands are preferable during the massage.
4. Preventing scratches
The skin of infants is delicate, so be careful not to scratch their skin during the massage. Generally, massage oils or powders can be used to prevent skin damage during the massage.
5. Timing
Child massage is not beneficial when the child is too hungry or too full. When the child is crying or fussy, it is important to calm their emotions before starting the massage.
