Pediatric convulsion, also known as infantile convulsion, is a disorder caused by temporary disruption of brain function and abnormal discharge of neurons due to various diseases. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it is often caused by the invasion of pathogenic factors during the six exogenous diseases, internal injury from diet, accumulation of heat, mental disorders, sudden fright, long-term illness with spleen deficiency, or insufficient conversion of essence. Let's take a look at how to massage for pediatric convulsion.
Diagnosis of Pediatric Convulsion
Pediatric convulsion can be classified as acute convulsion and chronic convulsion, commonly seen in children with high fever, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, epidemic encephalitis, cerebral dysplasia, and other diseases. It occurs mostly in children aged 1-5 years and can happen at any time of the year. The main symptoms include sudden loss of consciousness, rolling up of eyeballs, fixed or squinting gaze, clenched teeth, rigid and spastic limbs, arching of the back, and loss of bladder and bowel control.
Acute convulsion comes on suddenly and may be preceded by symptoms such as vomiting, fever, irritability, and easy fright.
Chronic convulsion, in addition to the main symptoms, also presents with weakness and twitching of the limbs, mental and physical fatigue, drowsiness, pale complexion, cold limbs, weak breathing, and other manifestations.
Special Effective Acupoints for Pediatric Convulsion
Ren Zhong Acupoint
Ren Zhong is a very important acupoint for emergency treatment, mainly used for treating convulsion, epilepsy, and coma caused by stroke. It can also be used to treat pediatric convulsion.
Location: The intersection of the nasal-labial groove, one-third above the upper lip and two-thirds below the lower lip.
Yin Tang Acupoint
Yin Tang acupoint can clear the head, improve vision, and open the nasal passage. It is an important acupoint for treating headaches, frontal headaches, insomnia, and hypertension.
Location: In the middle of the forehead, between the eyebrows.
Special Effective Acupoint Massage Technique for Pediatric Convulsion
Technique: 1. Use the tip of the thumb to firmly press and knead the Ren Zhong acupoint for about one minute, release the pressure for 2 seconds after 10 seconds. 2. Use the tip of the thumb in the same way to press and knead the Yin Tang acupoint for one minute. 3. Both acupoints can be pressed and kneaded simultaneously.
Usage and efficacy: It is used for emergency purposes and has the functions of dispelling wind, stopping convulsion, calming the mind, and clearing the head. When the Yin Tang and Ren Zhong acupoints are used together, they can help children with convulsion to stop convulsions and twitching. Generally, after 2-3 minutes, symptoms such as spasms, convulsions, and rigidity caused by convulsion will be relieved or even disappear, and consciousness will gradually recover.
Common Massage Techniques for Pediatric Convulsion
Tai Chong Acupoint: Located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression behind the first metatarsal joint. Use the middle finger to knead the Tai Chong acupoint for 1-2 minutes, then switch to using the thumb to press and knead for 1 minute. This method can also be applied to Shi Xuan, He Gu, Shui Gou, and Yin Tang acupoints.
Feng Chi Acupoint: Located in the neck, below the occipital bone, in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper end of the trapezius muscle. Use the thumb pads of both hands to press and knead the Feng Chi acupoint on both sides, starting from light to heavy pressure, for 1 minute, then pinch and knead the Feng Chi acupoint for 1 minute.
Du Mai Meridian: The child should lie prone, and use both hands to push down from the top to the bottom of the spine and the muscles on both sides of the spine. Starting from the coccyx and moving upwards, use the index finger to knead the coccyx 50 times, and finally push straight down from top to bottom 30 times.
Tips
1. Do not forcefully pull or stretch the child during convulsions to prevent injury.
2. The child should lie on their side, and a piece of bamboo wrapped in multiple layers of gauze should be placed between the upper and lower teeth to prevent biting of the tongue.
3. Keep the airway clear and suction out any oral secretions, sputum, or saliva to prevent asphyxiation.
4. Pay attention to the child's temperature, breathing, sweating, and complexion.
5. Maintain a quiet indoor environment and avoid stimulation to facilitate the child's rest and recovery.
