In pediatric tuina, acupoints on the hands are often used, with the assistance of whole body acupoints for health preservation and treatment. So, where is the accurate location of the acupoints on the hand for the pediatric spleen meridian?
Accurate location of the pediatric spleen meridian
The pediatric spleen meridian is located at the fingertip of the thumb. The techniques include tonifying the spleen meridian, clearing the spleen meridian, and clearing and tonifying the spleen meridian.
Techniques for tonifying the spleen meridian in pediatrics
The masseur holds the child's thumb with one hand to stabilize it, and uses the thumb pad of the other hand to rotate and push the child's thumb pad. Alternatively, the masseur can bend the child's thumb and push straight from the thumb tip to the base of the thumb along the radial side of the thumb, for 100-500 times.
Techniques for clearing the spleen meridian in pediatrics
The masseur holds the child's extended thumb with one hand to stabilize it, and uses the thumb tip to push straight from the child's thumb root to the fingertip for 100-500 times. This bidirectional push is called "ping bu ping xie" and is known as clearing and tonifying the spleen meridian.
Effects of the pediatric spleen meridian
Tonifying the spleen meridian can strengthen the spleen and stomach, tonify qi and blood. It is commonly used for symptoms of poor appetite, muscle wasting, and indigestion caused by weak spleen and insufficient qi and blood.
Clearing the spleen meridian can clear heat and dampness, transform phlegm and stop vomiting. It is commonly used for symptoms of damp-heat steaming, yellowing of the skin, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and dysentery, and food stagnation.
Clearing and tonifying the spleen meridian can harmonize the stomach and aid digestion, and enhance appetite. It is commonly used for the treatment of symptoms such as stagnant food, gastric discomfort, acid regurgitation, diarrhea, and vomiting caused by disharmony of the spleen and stomach.
Precautions for pediatric tuina on the spleen meridian
The pediatric spleen and stomach are weak and should not be excessively attacked. Generally, tonifying methods are mostly used, while clearing methods can be used for those with strong pathogenic factors and excess conditions.
