Abdominal massage is the best and safest method to treat digestive system diseases and gastrointestinal disorders in children. However, it is important to use the correct technique and choose the appropriate acupoints to achieve significant therapeutic effects. Below, we will look at the illustrated guide for abdominal massage in children.
Common acupoints and techniques for abdominal massage in children
Shangwan (Upper Stomach): Rub the upper stomach in a clockwise direction using the fingertips of the index, middle, and ring fingers for 1-3 minutes. Assess the degree of local skin redness.
Zhongwan (Middle Stomach): Place four fingers together on the middle stomach and rotate clockwise 50-100 times, then rotate counterclockwise 50-100 times.
Tianshu (Heavenly Pivot): Separate the index and middle fingers and rotate them clockwise 50-100 times at the Tianshu acupoints on both sides of the child's abdomen, then rotate counterclockwise 50-100 times.
Huaroumen (Slippery Flesh Gate): Rub the Huaroumen acupoint with the thumb pad, assessing the degree of local skin redness.
Shenque (Spirit Gate): Place the palm on the Shenque acupoint and rotate clockwise, assessing the degree of local skin warmth.
Qihai (Sea of Qi): Place the index and middle fingers together and rub the Qihai acupoint in a clockwise direction 80-100 times, assessing the degree of local skin redness.
Guanyuan (Gate of Origin): Place the index and middle fingers together and rub the Guanyuan acupoint in a clockwise direction 80-100 times, assessing the degree of local skin redness.
Daheng (Great Horizontal): Place the thumb on the Daheng acupoint and rub it 50-100 times, assessing the degree of local skin redness.
Qichong (Qi Rushing): Place the index and middle fingers together and rub the Qichong acupoint for 1-2 minutes, assessing the degree of local redness.
Massage technique for abdominal massage in children
For abdominal massage, the child should lie supine or sit upright. The masseur should place their palms on the child's lower abdomen and perform circular motions, rotating clockwise 50-100 times, then counterclockwise 50-100 times.
Benefits of abdominal massage in children
By massaging the above-mentioned acupoints and using abdominal rubbing techniques, the spleen and stomach can be invigorated, qi can be regulated, digestion can be improved, and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting can be alleviated. Acupoint massage is mainly used for weak spleen and stomach, gastric distention, poor digestion, while abdominal rubbing is mainly used for digestive function, diarrhea, constipation, and other symptoms.
Indications for abdominal massage in children
Digestive system diseases: Chronic gastritis, chronic gastric and duodenal ulcers, vomiting, functional gastrointestinal disorders, pyloric obstruction, gastric prolapse, hiccups, functional dyspepsia, gastric spasm, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, etc.
Pediatric diseases: Appetite loss, nocturnal crying, malnutrition, infantile malnutrition, vomiting, enuresis, etc.
Contraindications for abdominal massage in children
1. Acute infectious diseases such as hepatitis and tuberculosis.
2. Various infectious diseases such as osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, cerebral abscess, etc.
3. Acute injuries, such as acute brain or central nervous system injuries, visceral contusions, skin lacerations, etc.
4. Various bleeding disorders, such as traumatic bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, urinary bleeding, etc.
5. Burns, scalds, and ulcers on the skin.
