Childhood obesity can lead to adverse physical reactions such as shortness of breath and weakened immune system. Traditional Chinese medicine massage can effectively improve pediatric obesity. Let's take a look at the points for infant obesity massage.
Causes and Mechanism of Infant Obesity
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the root cause of obesity lies in spleen deficiency and obstruction of the three-jiao meridians, leading to the inability of qi to rise and turbid substances to descend. This results in poor digestion of food and water, and the formation of phlegm and turbidity, which leads to obesity. Different massage techniques can be used based on different syndrome types.
Massage for Qi Deficiency Obesity
Main symptoms: Obesity with soft and floating touch, pale complexion, fatigue, lack of energy, preference for stillness and aversion to movement, sweating and thirst when active, pale liver tongue, weak and thin pulse, and pale fingerprints.
Treatment principle: Tonify qi, strengthen spleen, and reduce fat.
Prescription: Regulate the five viscera, tonify the spleen meridian, massage the upper three gates, knead the spine, massage the upper seven vertebral joints, perform internal Bagua exercises, open the Xuanji point, clockwise rub the abdomen, knead and rub the abdomen, vibrate and strike the abdomen, roll and rub the buttocks, press down on the Ji Men acupoint, knead and rub the limbs along the meridians, rub the waist and sacrum, chest and abdomen, shoulders and back, etc., to a moderate extent.
Massage for Phlegm and Stasis Obesity
Main symptoms: Obesity with swelling and stagnation upon touch, floating or dark complexion, heavy head and limbs, preference for curling up in bed, reduced urine output, distension in the epigastrium and abdomen, increased appetite and constant hunger, bad breath, greasy tongue coating, and slippery pulse, with purple congestion in fingerprints.
Treatment principle: Transform phlegm, eliminate stasis, and reduce fat.
Prescription: Regulate the five viscera, tonify the spleen meridian, mainly treat the six fu organs (5 or 10 times), and then perform massage on the upper three gates (1-3 times). Focus on massaging the lower seven vertebral joints, with assistance from upper pushing. Perform internal Bagua exercises, pinch and rub the four horizontal lines, Er Shan Men, back of the ear, Jian Jing, Su Fei, and rub the Guan Yuan point. The operations on the epigastrium, waist and hips, and limbs are the same as above.
Analysis of Infant Obesity Massage
Qi Deficiency Obesity
The main cause of obesity is spleen deficiency, which also affects the five viscera and the whole body. Therefore, the prescription focuses on tonifying the spleen meridian, with assistance from massaging the upper seven vertebral joints, kneading the spine, and massaging the upper three gates to strengthen qi and invigorate the spleen. Regulating the five viscera through the acupoints of the five meridians promotes smooth flow and proper balance, transforming fat and eliminating phlegm. Massage techniques such as internal Bagua exercises, opening the Xuanji point, clockwise rubbing of the abdomen, and pressing down on the Ji Men acupoint, follow a top-down approach, aligning with the direction of gastrointestinal peristalsis, and effectively promote digestion, phlegm elimination, and water metabolism. The direct massage on the fat accumulation areas in the epigastrium, waist and sacrum, and buttocks fully demonstrates the advantages of local treatment in massage. Rubbing the limbs along the meridians and the waist and sacrum, chest and abdomen, shoulders and back, etc., promotes both tonification and elimination, enhances qi and blood circulation, and dissipates heat.
Phlegm and Stasis Obesity
The root cause of obesity is the accumulation of phlegm, stasis, fat, or turbidity, which obstructs the five viscera and the three-jiao meridians. Therefore, the prescription focuses on regulating the five viscera to clear blockages and open the three-jiao meridians. As stasis needs to be dissipated, massaging the lower six fu organs and the lower seven vertebral joints is the main technique, with emphasis on prolonged and intensive massage. However, qi is the main component of body fluids, blood, and fat, and should be warmed and supplemented. Therefore, massage techniques such as massaging the upper three gates and the upper seven vertebral joints are often used to prevent excessive clearing and potential damage to the spleen and stomach. Internal Bagua exercises help to dissipate qi and transform phlegm, massaging the four horizontal lines helps to transform phlegm in the spleen, and massaging the Er Shan Men acupoint regulates the internal organs and stops sweating. Rubbing the back of the ear and the high bone helps to clear phlegm, invigorate the mind, awaken the senses, regulate the spleen meridian, and warm the three-jiao.
Tips
1. In order to thoroughly treat infant obesity, in addition to regular massage therapy, attention should also be paid to prenatal and postnatal care. Pregnant women should pay attention to a balanced diet, avoid excessive food intake and excessive weight gain, and participate in appropriate exercise.
2. Breastfeeding should be encouraged during infancy, and the introduction of solid foods should be delayed. Increase the baby's physical activity.
3. During childhood, emphasize a balanced diet, reduce consumption of high-calorie, fatty, and high-sugar foods, eat fewer snacks, chew food slowly, and participate in activities such as long-distance running and swimming.
