When children are sick, taking medicine and getting injections can be quite a hassle. As parents, it's heartbreaking to see our little ones in pain. Here, we will teach you four commonly used pediatric massage techniques. Regularly massaging your baby can help strengthen their constitution.
Spinal kneading: The middle of the back is the governing vessel, and on both sides of the governing vessel are the pathways of the bladder meridian of the foot taiyang. The governing vessel and the bladder meridian are the body's first line of defense against external pathogens. Through spinal kneading therapy, the meridians can be unblocked, and the function of regulating the internal organs can be achieved.
Location: 1 centimeter on either side of the spine, from the Changqiang acupoint (3-5 centimeters above the anus) upwards to the Dazhui acupoint (the prominent bone at the back of the neck at shoulder level).
Procedure: Have the baby lie face down, and as the parent, stand behind the baby. Form a semi-fist with the middle, ring, and little fingers of both hands, and press the index fingers against the spine. Then, extend the thumbs forward and the index fingers backward, pinching and lifting the muscles. Next, move both hands forward from the bottom to the top (from the Changqiang acupoint to the Dazhui acupoint). Repeat this motion 5 times. Starting from the third repetition, while pinching 3 times, lift the skin of the back upward once. After completing this, use both thumbs to knead and press the sides of the spine from top to bottom 3-5 times.
Rubbing Zusanli: Zusanli is a commonly used health acupoint. Regular massage can regulate the spleen and stomach, invigorate the middle, promote the circulation of qi and blood, dispel wind and dampness, and strengthen the body.
Location: 3 cun below the knee (if the baby's small hand is clenched, the length from the tip of the four fingers horizontally is about 3 cun), on the outer side of the lower leg (shinbone).
Procedure: The parent uses both thumbs to massage the Zusanli acupoint on both sides for 1 minute (approximately 100 times).
Abdominal rubbing: Used for children with poor digestion, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Location: The abdomen.
Procedure: Have the baby lie on their back, and the parent uses their palms to massage the abdomen in a counterclockwise circular motion for about 3-5 minutes.
Tui Tian He Shui (Pushing the Heavenly River Water): Suitable for children with fever and excessive internal heat.
Location: The middle line on the palm side of the forearm, from the wrist to the elbow.
Procedure: Push from the wrist to the elbow, 100-500 times.
Note: Baby's skin is delicate, so before massaging, apply talcum powder or lubricating oil. At the beginning, the technique should be gentle. Massage is prohibited if there are skin lesions, boils, or skin diseases.
