Four Pediatric Health Massage Techniques
1. Spleen-Strengthening Method
Prescription: Tonify the Spleen, massage the abdomen for 5 minutes each, rub Zusanli 100 times, pinch the spine 3–5 times.
[Operation Method]
① Tonify the Spleen: The Spleen point lies at the radial border of the thumb, at the junction of red and white flesh. Push from fingertip to root to tonify the Spleen.
② Abdominal Massage: Use the palm or the tips of four fingers together to rub the entire abdomen clockwise.
③ Rub Zusanli: Located 3 cun below the outer knee, use the pad of the thumb to rub.
④ Spinal Pinching: The child lies prone. The practitioner uses the pads of both thumbs and the index and middle fingers to grasp the spinal skin, pinching and advancing while moving forward from Changqiang to Dazhui. Repeat 3–5 times per session. To enhance stimulation, lift and pull upward every three pinches.
2. Lung-Protection Method
Prescription: Clear the Lung, regulate the Liver, tonify the Spleen, clear Heavenly River Water—all for 5 minutes.
[Operation Method]
① Clear the Lung: The Lung point lies on the palmar surface of the ring finger. Push from root to tip to clear the Lung.
② Regulate the Liver: The Liver point lies on the palmar surface of the index finger. Push from root to tip to clear the Liver, also known as regulating the Liver.
③ Clear Heavenly River Water: The Heavenly River Water point lies along the central line of the anterior forearm, from wrist crease to elbow crease. The practitioner joins the index and middle fingers, pushing from wrist crease to elbow crease—apply even pressure, push forward without deviation.
3. Calming Spirit Method
Prescription: Regulate the Liver, clear Heavenly River Water—each for 5 minutes; tap Xiao Tianxin 50 times; rub and massage the dorsal surfaces of both hands' fingers for 2 minutes.
[Operation Method]
Rub and massage the dorsal surfaces of the fingers: Use the pad of the thumb to rub the fingertips clockwise. Then hold the child upright, placing him across your shoulder. Use the index, middle, and ring fingers together to gently and rhythmically tap the Du Meridian from Dazhui downward through Xinshu, Gegeshu, Ganshu, to the sacral region—tap for 2–3 minutes. Over the heart-lung area, switch to hollow-hand tapping.
4. Intelligence-Enhancing Method
Prescription: Rub Erma for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
[Operation Method]
Erma point lies in the depression between the metacarpal bones of the ring and little fingers on the dorsum of the hand. Rubbing Erma involves bending the child’s little finger into the palm, then using the pad of the thumb or middle finger to rub left and right.