They say that medicine is three parts poison, so moms can try the method of massage to enhance their baby's immune system. The method of massaging the baby is very simple, and here are three methods to introduce to moms, hoping to help them.
1. Back Massage
The "back" refers to the spine on the back.
From the end of the coccyx to the acupoint of the cervicothoracic junction (the highest vertebra at the junction of the neck and chest) forms a straight line. The baby lies prone on the bed, and the parent gently strokes the baby's entire back to relax the muscles, and then performs the back massage.
Specific technique:
Use the thumbs of both hands to pinch the skin on the surface of the spine. The index and middle fingers are in front, and the thumbs are behind, pinching the skin on the surface of the spine. While the index and middle fingers twist backward and the thumbs twist forward, push the thumbs forward. Gradually push up from the bottom. Repeat the massage 3-5 times from the coccyx to the cervicothoracic junction.
After the massage, the local skin may become slightly red. At this time, gently massage the baby's back up and down 2-3 times to help the baby relax. Massage the back every three days.
When massaging the baby's back, the movements must be gentle. When pinching the muscles upwards, do not pinch too heavily, so as not to make the baby feel scared and unwilling to cooperate.
2. Lightly Tap the Back Shu Points
Tapping the back shu points can regulate the function of the internal organs and reduce the occurrence of diseases. The back shu points are located on both sides of the spine on the back, 1.5 inches away from the spine (3 inches from the inner edge of the scapula to the spine).
Specific technique: Use the fingertips of the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger to gently tap the back shu points, from top to bottom, repeatedly 3-5 times on both sides. After the tapping, the skin on both sides of the spine may become slightly red. Then, lightly massage the area that was just tapped 2-3 times to relax the skin.
3. Rub Zusanli Acupoint
Zusanli acupoint is located 3 inches below the outer knee eye and 1 finger width (the thickness of the baby's middle finger) beside the anterior tibial ridge (the highest part of the front of the lower leg that can be felt).
Method: Let the baby bend the knee joint, and under the lower end of the kneecap, there are two depressions that can be touched. The outer depression is called the outer knee eye. From here, go downward by a distance of 4 fingers wide, which is 3 inches below the outer knee eye. Then, from the anterior tibial ridge, go sideways by the width of the baby's middle finger to find the Zusanli acupoint.
Specific technique: Use the thumb to rub the Zusanli acupoint in a clockwise direction for 3 minutes each time. This can invigorate the spleen and stomach, supplement qi and blood, and regulate digestion.
Many times, the baby's illness is caused by external factors. However, some are caused by the baby's low immune system. Massage and massage are simple operations and have no toxic side effects. Once moms learn them, babies don't need to take tonics and can still improve their immune system.
What to Pay Attention to When Massaging Infants and Young Children
1. Time
Babies need touch the most from 0 to 3 years old, so it is best to start touching the baby as early as possible. Babies need long-term touch, which should be done every day, one to two times a day, for 15 minutes each time. The time can be flexible and controlled by the parents. Touching is not a formal ritual, so it can be done while touching the baby's little hands and feet while breastfeeding, and touching the baby's back while sleeping.
2. Preparation
Before touching the baby, create a good environment for the baby. The room temperature should not be lower than 22 degrees, and it is better to have sunlight. Keep the room clean and quiet, and you can play some peaceful and relaxing music. The parents should wash their hands before touching the baby, pay attention to trimming their nails, rub their hands warm, and prepare massage oil or moisturizer.
3. Technique
The strength of touch is important, and the technique should be gentle and smooth. It is best to make the baby feel neither pain nor itchiness, and the slight redness of the skin after the touch indicates that the strength is just right. The touch should not be limited to one or a few places. The larger the area, the more positive stimulation for the baby. It is not necessary to focus on the accuracy of the locations, as this is not a massage after all. The order of the touch starts from the forehead, followed by the chin, head, chest, abdomen, hands, feet, back, and buttocks.
4. Technique
Let the baby lie on the back for touching, and then let the baby lie prone for massaging the back and buttocks. The massaging technique can use fingertip pressure, and sometimes the entire palm can be used for kneading and pushing. For the baby's limbs, gentle squeezing can be done, and there are many techniques. However, it is not necessary to strictly follow all of them. They can be flexibly used. In addition, the sliding of the hands on the skin should be smooth and gentle.
