Pediatric constipation is a symptom characterized by the inability to have regular bowel movements or the presence of hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. It can be categorized into two types based on the underlying cause and symptoms: functional constipation and organic constipation. Below, we will teach you some massage techniques to treat pediatric constipation.
Clinical manifestations of pediatric constipation
Functional constipation: red face, body heat, bad breath, restlessness, dry mouth, decreased appetite, belching, chest and rib distention, abdominal bloating, dry and hard stools, short and red urine.
Organic constipation: pale face and lips, dull nails, thin body and weak constitution, irregular bowel movements, stools that are not hard or soft, long and clear urine, cold abdominal pain, preference for heat and aversion to cold, cold limbs.
Common massage techniques for pediatric constipation
Treatment principle: promote bowel movement and relieve stagnation.
Massage techniques: rub Zhongwan, massage the abdomen, rub Guizhi, and stimulate the seven sacral vertebrae.
For functional constipation, add clearing the large intestine, retracting the six visceral organs, rubbing and kneading along the meridians, and massaging Tianshu.
For organic constipation, add tonifying the spleen and stomach, clearing the large intestine, stimulating San Guan, massaging Tianshu, pinching the spine, and rubbing Zusanli.
Operational techniques for pediatric constipation massage
Rub Zhongwan: Use the palm or four fingers to rub Zhongwan, or push it upwards or downwards for 100-200 times.
Massage the abdomen: Rub and massage the abdomen with the palm or four fingers for 5 minutes.
Rub Guizhi: Use the thumb or middle finger to rub the end of the coccyx for 100 times.
Stimulate the seven sacral vertebrae: The seven sacral vertebrae are located in a straight line from the Mingmen to the end of the coccyx. Use the thumb or index finger to push downward for 100 times.
Clear the large intestine: Push straight from the tiger's mouth to the tip of the index finger for 100 times, called clearing the large intestine.
Retract the six visceral organs: Use the thumb or index finger to push from the elbow to the wrist for 300 times, called retracting the six visceral organs.
Rub and knead along the meridians: Use both hands to rub and massage from both sides of the child's waist to the Tianshu point, rubbing 50-100 times.
Massage Tianshu: Use pinching and kneading techniques, simultaneously press and knead Tianshu for 100-200 times using the index and middle fingers.
Pinch the spine: Use the index and middle fingers to pinch and grasp the Dazhui acupoint in a straight line from bottom to top, usually repeated three times.
Stimulate San Guan: Use the index and middle fingers to push from the wrist to the elbow, pushing 100-500 times.
Massage Zusanli: Use the thumb to massage the Zusanli acupoint, located 3 inches below the outer knee, for 30-50 times.
Massage formula for pediatric constipation
Clear the large intestine, massage Tianshu, and cleanse the intestines of pathological heat and stagnation; clear the spleen and stomach, rub Zhongwan, massage the abdomen, and massage Zusanli to strengthen the spleen and stomach and promote digestion; rub and knead along the meridians to soothe the liver and regulate Qi, and relieve Qi stagnation; rub Guizhi, stimulate the seven sacral vertebrae, and retract the six visceral organs to promote bowel movement and clear heat; tonify the spleen meridian, stimulate San Guan, pinch the spine, and massage Zusanli to nourish Qi and blood, strengthen the spleen, regulate the middle Jiao, and enhance the body's strength.
