Children are treasures in the palms of their parents, so when a child has a health problem, parents are very worried. For example, when a child coughs, parents feel helpless and don't know what to do. Some even want to endure the suffering on behalf of their child. But let's not do that.
Symptoms and Classification of External Cough
External cough can be divided into two categories: external cold cough and external heat cough. Due to different climatic factors, external cough can manifest in various forms and often accompanies various cold symptoms caused by abnormal weather conditions, making it difficult for ordinary patients to distinguish. Pay attention to the color and texture of the phlegm, which is one of the key factors in distinguishing the type of cough.
(I) Cold Cough
This is caused by the invasion of cold wind on the skin, leading to the failure of lung Qi to descend. Symptoms include thin and watery phlegm, itchy throat, heavy voice, as well as headache, nasal congestion, clear runny nose, or fever, aversion to cold, lack of sweating, and other symptoms of cold. The phlegm is thin and white, the throat is itchy, and the cough is heavy and forceful. It is often accompanied by nasal congestion, clear runny nose, sneezing, aversion to cold, sore joints, headache, and mild fever. The tongue coating is thin and white. The treatment should focus on dispersing wind and cold, and relieving cough by promoting lung function.
(II) Heat Cough
This is caused by the invasion of heat on the lungs, which leads to the scorching of body fluids and the failure of the lungs to clear heat. Symptoms include thick and sticky phlegm, dry and sore throat, thirst, as well as headache, dizziness, aversion to wind, and body heat, among other symptoms of heat. The phlegm is yellowish-white and viscous, the cough is not relieving, and the throat is dry and painful. Sometimes sweating, aversion to wind or slight aversion to cold, headache, and fever may also be present. The tongue coating is thin and yellow, and the pulse is floating and rapid. The treatment should focus on dispersing wind and clearing heat, and relieving cough by promoting lung function.
(III) Lung Heat Cough
Symptoms include excessive coughing with yellow and thick phlegm, hot breath from the mouth and nose, bitter taste in the mouth, dry and sore throat, or chest pain, coughing up purulent or bloody phlegm, dry and hard stools, decreased urine output, and in severe cases, high fever and shortness of breath. The tongue is red, the tongue coating is yellow, and the pulse is slippery and rapid.
(IV) Lung Dryness Cough
Symptoms include dry cough without phlegm, minimal phlegm that is difficult to expectorate, itchy and dry throat, dry and stuffy nose, hoarse voice, dry tongue with little moisture. Initially, there may be slight aversion to cold, fever, headache, and sore joints, among other symptoms of a cold. The tip of the tongue is red, and the pulse is thin and rapid.
Pediatric Tuina Treatment for External Cough
1. The Lung Meridian is located on the spiral surface of the distal phalanx of the little finger. Pushing directly from the root to the tip of the finger is called clearing the Lung Meridian.
2. The Liver Meridian is located on the spiral surface of the distal phalanx of the index finger. Pushing directly from the root to the tip of the finger is called clearing the Liver Meridian.
3. The Spleen Meridian is located on the radial side of the thumb from the tip of the thumb to the root. Push directly along the radial side of the thumb from the tip to the root.
4. The Inner Eight Diagrams: The palm is centered on the Inner Palace, and the eight points on the circumference of the circle are located at the junction of the Inner Palace and the outer 1/3 of the middle finger base. Starting from the fish border, press and rotate in a clockwise direction, one by one, for one revolution. This is called the reverse movement of the Inner Eight Diagrams.
5. Rub the shoulder and back, use the palm to rub horizontally on the shoulder and back, to a degree of generating heat.
6. Rub the ribs, quickly rub from both armpits to below the Tian Shu point.
7. Feng Long point is located 8 cun above the tip of the outer ankle, on the outer side of the anterior border of the tibia. Press and rub with the thumb.
8. Pinch the spine, use both thumbs and index fingers along both sides of the spine, starting from the coccyx and pinching the skin, alternately twist and push forward.
These are the relevant content about pediatric tuina treatment for external cough. While performing tuina, I also recommend parents to give their children some related medications, which can help to cure the condition faster and better.
In addition, the diet should be light and refreshing. Fresh vegetables such as greens, cabbage, radish, carrot, and tomatoes can provide various vitamins and minerals, which are beneficial for repairing the body's metabolic functions. Soy products contain high-quality proteins, which can replenish the tissue proteins lost during inflammation without increasing phlegm or dampness. It is also advisable to add a small amount of protein-rich foods such as lean meat. Avoid excessive saltiness in the dishes and prioritize steaming and boiling over frying. As the saying goes, "Fish causes fire, meat causes phlegm, and greens and radishes ensure safety." It makes sense to pay attention to these when a child has a cough.
