Childhood food retention is a common symptom in children, mainly referring to gastrointestinal disorders caused by excessive undigested breast milk stagnation in the middle burner. It is difficult for children to express their discomfort when they have food retention, so parents need to be observant of their children's physical symptoms and timely treatment.
Symptoms of childhood food retention
1. Easy crying
If the child has been frequently moody and starts to cry, it may be because the child is uncomfortable, possibly due to food retention. Children only exhibit such behavior when they are physically uncomfortable.
2. Fever
The weather is getting colder, and children have low immunity, so it is easy for them to develop a fever. Parents pay close attention to dressing their children appropriately, but sometimes children still develop a fever, which is actually caused by food retention.
3. Teeth grinding during sleep
When children are uncomfortable, they naturally won't sleep well at night and may even cry. These are all signs of illness. Some children may even grind their teeth during sleep, which is caused by poor digestion and food retention.
Massage methods for childhood food retention
1. Pinch the spine
Location: From the tailbone to the cervical vertebrae, pinch the spine from bottom to top.
Effect: Strengthen the body, invigorate the spleen, and replenish qi.
2. Rub Zusanli
Location: Zusanli is located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the lateral eye of the knee, on the anterior edge of the shinbone.
Effect: Invigorate the spleen and stomach, regulate the middle burner, stop diarrhea, and relieve constipation. It is often used to prevent and treat abdominal distension, constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
3. Rub the abdomen
Location: Around the navel, slowly massage in a clockwise direction.
Effect: Aid digestion, regulate qi, and promote intestinal movement.
Use of Si Mo Tang for food retention
Composition: 6g of ginseng, betel nut, and agarwood, and 10g of Tiantai Wuyao.
Method and dosage: Decoct and take orally. Grind each herb into a concentrated powder, mix them in a small bowl, boil for 3-5 minutes, and take it warm.
Efficacy and indications: Promotes qi circulation, relieves stagnation, and treats liver qi stagnation. Symptoms include chest tightness, shortness of breath, fullness and discomfort in the chest and abdomen, loss of appetite, and wiry pulse.
Si Mo Tang is commonly used for liver qi stagnation combined with qi counterflow. The key diagnostic points in clinical application are chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Precautions: This formula is a strong medicine for promoting qi circulation and relieving counterflow. It should be used with caution in cases of chest tightness and fullness caused by spleen deficiency and kidney deficiency.
