Children often have a lot of runny noses because they are invaded by external pathogens, which block the lungs and nasal passages. If the runny nose persists for a long time and is accompanied by respiratory obstruction, breathing difficulties, and impaired lung function, it can easily lead to further invasion of pathogens, resulting in nasal congestion. Let's take a look at the illustrations of pediatric massage techniques for runny noses.
Causes and Pathology of Pediatric Runny Nose
Invasion of Wind-Heat Pathogen
The child is invaded by wind-heat pathogen or has been exposed to wind and cold for a long time, resulting in the ascent of heat along the lung meridian, which affects the nasal cavity and spreads to the lungs. The lungs become congested and hot, and the nasal passages become blocked. The heat combines with stagnation to form abscesses and pus. This type of condition is often seen after a cold, or there may be continuous clear runny nose followed by purulent runny nose.
Internal Generation of Damp-Heat
Imbalanced diet or prolonged external exposure can damage the spleen, leading to the internal generation of dampness. This obstructs the flow of qi, prevents the descending function of the stomach qi, and disrupts the liver and gallbladder's proper function of spreading and excreting. This results in the generation of damp-heat. The heat from the gallbladder meridian rises and affects the nasal passages, causing this condition.
Deficiency of Zheng Qi and Invasion of Pathogens
In the early stages of runny nose, wind-heat invasion and internal generation of damp-heat are the main causes, mostly presenting as excess and heat patterns. If the condition persists, it will further damage the lungs and spleen. The righteous qi cannot expel the pathogens, and the evil qi sinks deep, resulting in this condition. The deficiency of the lung at the navel loses its function of clearing and purifying, and is unable to expel the pathogens. The deficiency of the spleen leads to the production of phlegm and turbidity, which rises with the qi and causes prolonged purulent runny nose.
Massage Prescription for Wind-Heat Invading the Lungs Type of Runny Nose
Main Symptoms: Intermittent or persistent nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, yellow and turbid nasal discharge or sticky white discharge, may be accompanied by aversion to wind, fever, red lips, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, red tongue, thin yellow coating, floating and rapid pulse, and red fingerprints.
Treatment Principle: Disperse wind and clear heat.
Massage Techniques: Clear the lungs, rub Xiaotianxin, rub Yingxiang, insert the bee into the hole, use the four main techniques for the head and face, rub the fontanelle, press Baihui, rub Fengchi, Fengfu, hold Jianjing, and clear the lungs.
Massage Prescription for Damp-Heat Fumigation Type of Runny Nose
Main Symptoms: Yellow and foul-smelling nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, nasal pain and hoarseness, may be accompanied by dizziness, headache, bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, yellow urine, distension in the epigastrium, excessive phlegm, nausea, red tongue, greasy yellow coating, damp and rapid or slippery pulse, and purple fingerprints.
Treatment Principle: Clear and resolve damp-heat, promote qi circulation and unblock the nasal passages.
Massage Techniques: Clear the lungs, clear the stomach, regulate the liver, rub Banmen, rub Yingxiang, rub the sides of the nose, tap the forehead, withdraw the six fu, rub the second horses.
Massage Prescription for Lung and Spleen Deficiency Type of Runny Nose
Main Symptoms: Murky or clear nasal discharge, nasal congestion that varies in severity, reduced sense of smell, long duration of illness, aggravated nasal discharge and tears in response to cold and wind, nasal congestion, may be accompanied by pale complexion, weak qi, cold limbs, susceptibility to colds, poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, pale tongue, thin white coating, and slow pulse.
Treatment Principle: Tonify qi, control nasal discharge, warm the middle, and dispel cold.
Massage Techniques: Tonify the spleen, tonify the lungs, promote the three upper gates, rub the Dantian, rub Fengchi, hold the nose, rub the sides of the nose, and rub Yingxiang.
Explanation of Pediatric Runny Nose Massage Techniques
Wind-Heat Invading the Lungs Type of Runny Nose
The nose is connected to the lungs. When wind and heat invade the lungs, the first step is to disperse the wind and clear the lungs. Clearing the lungs not only helps to disperse the pathogen, but also helps to purify the lungs. This is the main acupoint for treating this condition. The use of the four main techniques for the head and face, as well as rubbing Fengchi and Fengfu, focuses on resolving the external pathogen. The fontanelle and Baihui are both located on the top of the head and belong to the Du meridian. Massaging and pressing these points can control nasal discharge and resolve the external pathogen. Rubbing Yingxiang and inserting the bee into the hole are acupoints located near the nose, which are effective for treating nasal congestion. Xiaotianxin connects the meridians and opens the nasal passages. Holding Jianjing can disperse wind and promote communication between the channels, enhancing the therapeutic effect.
Damp-Heat Fumigation Type of Runny Nose
The lungs open into the nose, and clearing the lungs can clear heat and unblock the nasal passages. In this type of condition, the nasal passages are affected by dampness and heat in the middle burner or by heat fumigation from the liver and gallbladder. Therefore, clearing the stomach and regulating the liver are necessary to resolve the damp-heat. This promotes the downward flow of dampness and heat. Withdrawing the six fu helps to eliminate heat through bowel movements, like extinguishing a fire from the bottom of a pot. Rubbing Yingxiang, tapping the sides of the nose, and pressing the forehead are all used to treat the symptoms. They enhance the circulation of qi and unblock the nasal passages.
Lung and Spleen Deficiency Type of Runny Nose
In cases of lung and spleen deficiency, it is important to tonify the spleen and lungs. Promoting the three upper gates can warm, tonify, and raise. This helps to support the spleen and lungs. Rubbing Dantian warms the spleen and lungs, and dispels cold from both inside and outside. Lightly rubbing Fengchi and Fengfu can unblock the nasal passages and control nasal discharge. Holding the nose, rubbing the sides of the nose, and rubbing Yingxiang are acupoints that are close to the nose and are used to treat the symptoms, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effect.
