The spleen and stomach are the foundation of postnatal life and the source of qi and blood for growth and development in children. All the necessary nutrients for children's growth and development need to be transformed by the spleen and stomach. Therefore, the importance of a healthy spleen and stomach in children is evident. Pediatric Tuina massage is an important method to promote the health of the spleen and stomach. So, what are the hand techniques for pediatric Tuina massage for spleen and stomach weakness?
Tonify the Spleen Meridian 50-100 times
The masseur holds the child's hand with one hand, making the palm face up. With the other hand, the thumb pushes from the child's fingertip to the finger root, or pushes straight along the red and white meat junction on the thumb side of the pharynx, 50-100 times.
Tonify the Stomach Meridian 50-100 times
The masseur fixes the child's thumb and palm-joint with the thumb and index and middle fingers of one hand. With the other hand, the thumb presses the thumb pad or goes around the side, pushing from the thumb root to the palm root, i.e. pushing along the outer edge of the big fish muscle, 50-100 times.
Tonify the Heart Meridian 50-100 times
The masseur holds the child's hand with one hand, making the palm face up. With the other hand, the thumb's spiral surface pushes from the tip of the child's middle finger to the finger root on the palm side, 50-100 times.
Rub the Zhongwan Point 50-100 times
The masseur uses the fingertip of the right middle finger to rub the child's Zhongwan point (4 inches above the navel) in a clockwise direction, 50-100 times.
Rub the Navel 50-100 times
The masseur rubs the child's navel with the fingertip or palm root, or uses the thumb, index, and middle fingers to grab and shake the navel 50-100 times.
Rub the Tianshu Point 50-100 times
The masseur uses the thumb to rub the child's Tianshu point (2 inches apart on both sides of the navel) in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, 50-100 times.
Rub the Dantian for 3-5 minutes
The masseur gently rubs the child's Dantian point (3 inches below the navel) with the thumb pad for 3-5 minutes, or 50-100 times.
Press and rub the Zusanli Point for 3-5 minutes
The masseur uses the thumb to press and rub the child's Zusanli point (3 inches below the outer depression of the knee), 3-5 times or 50-100 times.
Pinch the spine 3-5 times
Using the thumb pad and the other four fingers' pad facing each other, apply force from the coccyx to the cervical vertebrae, pinching the skin along the midline and the bladder meridian on both sides, a total of 3-5 times.
