Pediatric Tuina Massage for Constipation

There are seven basic tuina massage techniques you can use to treat your child’s constipation.  Whether it’s from acute illness and fever or more chronic bowel issues these techniques can help.  Tuina massage is safe to use in newborns, infants, toddlers and children up to age 12, although it is most effective in children 5 and under.  For a complete discussion on treating constipation, please read What's Your Kid's Poo Telling You? Part 1 Constipation Before you get started, make sure the room where you will do the massage is warm, your nails are trimmed and you have something like talcum powder or massage oil to prevent chafing.  If you’re new to pediatric tuina massage please refer to our Guide to Pediatric Tuina Massage for Parents for more information and our basic instructional video.

Line Pressing on the Index Finger

Using your thumb, start on the palmar side of the hand at the junction of the thumb and index finger and rub in a line down to the tip of the index finger.  At the end of the finger lift and repeat.   This regulates the large intestines to promote bowel movements. For ages infant to 2 years rub 100 times For ages 2 - 5 years rub 200 times For ages 6 - 12 rub 300 times

Circle Pressing on the Palm of the Hand

This is another general massage technique for harmonizing the organ networks in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  This massage is used for almost every condition your child may have.  Looking a the palm you’ll see how the inner portion forms a depression.  Using your thumb, rub the palm of the hand in a clockwise circular direction on the outer border of the depression.   Talcum powder is very helpful at preventing chafing and allowing you to repeat this massage rapidly. For ages infant to 2 years rub 100 times For ages 2 - 5 years rub 200 times For ages 6 - 12 rub 300 times

Triple Energizer 6 (TE 6) Bo Yang Chi

This point is located on the forearm a distance of three fingers (same size as your child’s index - middle fingers) above the wrist.  Kneading this point helps relax the bowels in order to increase elimination. For ages infant to 2 years rub 100 times For ages 2 - 5 years rub 200 times For ages 6 - 12 rub 300 times

Circle Rubbing on the Abdomen - Clockwise

Rubbing the abdomen around the belly button in a clockwise manor with your four fingers or palm of hand promotes proper digestion and elmination.  This technique can also be used for abdominal pain, too. For ages infant to 2 years rub 100 times For ages 2 - 5 years rub 200 times For ages 6 - 12 rub 300 times

Stomach 36 (ST 36) Zu San Li

This is one of may favorite points for any digestion problems.  This point regulates peristaltic, or intestinal, movement aiding digestion and elimination.  It can also treat nausea and upset stomach.   Starting below the knee cap, place the equivalent distance of your child's four fingers (pinky - index finger) on the lateral side of the leg and find the point just below this.  The tissue at this point dips in a little so you'll know when you've found it. For ages infant to 2 years rub 100 times For ages 2 - 5 years rub 200 times For ages 6 - 12 rub 300 times

Line Pressing along the Lumbar Spine and Sacrum

Using your index and middle fingers rub in a line down the lumbar spine to the end of the sacrum.  Lift and repeat. For ages infant to 2 years rub 100 times For ages 2 - 5 years rub 200 times For ages 6 - 12 rub 300 times

Pinching Pulling on the Lumbar Spine

Pinching Pulling Massage.  For Constipation start at the sacrum and go up to the lumbar spine. Lift & Repeat.[/caption] This massage can be done for general wellness when done along the entire spine.  When focused on the muscles next to the lumbar spine down to the top of the sacrum it will help stimulate all the acupuncture points associated with the bowels. Gently but firmly “pinch” the muscle tissue between your thumb and forefinger and as you push your thumbs forward towards the lumbar spine, continue to pull down and “pinch” the muscle tissue.  The best way to understand this one is to see it on the video in the Guide to Pediatric Tuina Massage for Parents. Do this massage 100 - 300 times or until the skin “pinks up.” This post was featured on: Thank Your Body Thursday from ThankYourBody.com Old-Fashioned Friday from Ourheritageofhealth.com  

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