Babies experiencing digestive problems not only affect their ability to eat, but also lead to insufficient nutrient intake and malnutrition, which can have an impact on their growth and development. In such cases, using massage techniques for treatment can help improve symptoms. Let's take a look at the massage techniques for baby indigestion illustrated below.
Illustrated Massage Techniques for Baby Indigestion
Rubbing Zhongwan
Location: Zhongwan is located in the upper abdomen, on the midline, four inches above the navel.
Massage: Gently rotate and rub the Zhongwan acupoint with the tip of your thumb in a smooth and even motion.
Rubbing Tianshu
Location: Tianshu is located in the middle of the abdomen, two inches away from the navel.
Massage: Use the tip of your thumb to rotate and rub the Tianshu acupoint in a smooth and even motion for 2-3 minutes.
Rubbing Hegu
Location: Hegu is located between the first and second metacarpal bones on the back of the hand, at the midpoint on the radial side of the second metacarpal bone.
Massage: Use the tip of your thumb to rotate and massage the Hegu acupoint on both hands in a smooth and even motion until the skin becomes slightly red and warm.
Rubbing Zusanli
Location: Zusanli is located on the outer side of the lower leg, three inches below the knee.
Massage: Use the tip of your thumb to sequentially rub the Zusanli acupoint, until the skin becomes slightly red and warm.
Rubbing Shangjuxu
Location: Shangjuxu is located on the outer side of the lower leg, six inches below the knee.
Massage: Use the tip of your thumb to rub the Shangjuxu acupoint until the skin becomes slightly red and warm.
Analysis of Massage Acupoints for Baby Indigestion
The treatment of baby indigestion focuses on tonifying and strengthening the spleen and stomach, and enhancing digestive and absorptive functions. Zhongwan strengthens the spleen and nourishes the stomach, and regulates the descending function; Tianshu resolves food stagnation, dispels wind, and relieves pain; Hegu calms and relieves pain, and promotes meridian circulation; Zusanli promotes meridian circulation and relieves stagnation; Shangjuxu promotes meridian circulation and regulates the intestines and stomach. By combining these acupoints and performing long-term massage, it can help alleviate baby indigestion.
Causes and Mechanisms of Baby Indigestion
Baby indigestion is often caused by irregular and unpredictable breastfeeding, as well as feeding the baby with difficult-to-digest foods after weaning, or offering food whenever the baby cries, which leads to the loss of normal digestive abilities in the intestines and stomach. It can also be caused by teething in infants.
Precautions for Treating Baby Indigestion
In addition to massage treatment for indigestion, it is important to pay attention to the timing and quantity of the baby's diet, and increase the intake of nutritious and easily digestible foods, in order to enhance the effectiveness of the massage.
