Infant massage is a common method for child health care and treatment. So, what are the common acupoints for infant massage? What precautions should parents take when massaging infants?
Common Acupoints for Infant Massage
1. Zanzhu (Tianmen)
Located on a straight line from the midpoint between the eyebrows to the hairline.
Use both thumbs to push straight upward alternately, known as "pushing Zan Zhu" or "opening Tian Men."
2. Kan Gong
Located along a straight line from the inner eyebrow corner toward the outer corner.
Use the radial sides of both thumbs to push outward from the brow center toward the outer corner, known as "pushing Kan Gong" or "separating Kan Gong."
3 Taiyang (Sun)
Located one cun posterior to the midpoint of the line connecting the outer end of the eyebrow and the outer canthus.
Use the radial sides of both thumbs to push and circulate energy, known as "Pushing Taiyang" or "Circulating Taiyang." Pushing toward the eye is tonifying; pushing toward the ear is dispersing.
4 Tianchu (Heavenly Pillar) Bone
Located along a straight line from the midpoint of the hairline at the back of the neck to the Dazhui acupoint.
Use the thumb or index/middle finger to push straight downward, termed "Pushing Tian Zhu." Alternatively, scrape downward with the edge of a spoon while moistening it with water.
5. Abdomen
Located on the abdomen.
Push outward along the costal margin or from Zhongwan to the navel, termed "Separate Pushing the Yin and Yang of the Abdomen"; rub with the palm or four fingers, termed "Rubbing the Abdomen."
6. Navel
Located at the umbilicus.
Use the tip of the middle finger or the heel of the palm to knead, known as navel kneading; use fingers or the palm to rub, known as navel rubbing; grasp the navel with thumb and index/middle fingers to shake and knead, also called navel kneading.
7. Lower Dan Tian
Located 2-3 cun below the navel.
Kneading with the kneading method is called kneading the dantian; rubbing with the rubbing method is called rubbing the dantian.
8. Spine
Located along a straight line from the Dazhui point to the Changqiang point.
Straightly pushing downward with the index and middle fingers is called pushing the spine; pinching upward from the bottom is called pinching the spine.
9. Seven Vertebral Segments
Located along a straight line from the fourth lumbar vertebra to the upper end of the coccyx.
Using the index and middle fingers to push straight down is called pushing the lower seven vertebrae; using the radial edge of the thumb to push straight up is called pushing the upper seven vertebrae.
Turtle Tail
Located at the tip of the coccyx.
Massaging with the thumb or middle finger tip is called massaging the turtle tail.
Spleen Meridian
Located on the volar surface of the thumb's distal phalanx.
Rotational pushing is tonifying, termed "tonifying the spleen meridian." Flexing the child's thumb and pushing straight along its radial edge toward the palm base is also tonifying. Pushing straight from the fingertip toward the base is clearing. Both are collectively termed "pushing the spleen meridian."
12 Liver Meridian
Located on the palmar surface of the distal phalanx of the index finger.
Rotating and pushing is tonifying, termed "tonifying the liver meridian"; straight pushing toward the finger base is dispersing, termed "dispersing the liver meridian."
Precautions for Infant Massage
【Ensure a quiet environment with appropriate room temperature】
Excessively high temperatures cause sweating on the child's treatment area and the practitioner's hands, impairing technique execution. Excessively low temperatures expose the child to cold stimulation.Cover the treatment area with a soft towel during massage, changing it frequently. 【Appropriate Positioning】 Before massage, position the child based on their condition, the selected acupoints, and the therapist's technique requirements. Choose a position that facilitates technique application and ensures the child's comfort.Children under 3 years old may be held by another person during massage. Children over 3 years old can be positioned independently in sitting, supine, prone, or lateral positions.
【Apply Techniques Based on Diagnosis】
Massage therapy for pediatric conditions must strictly adhere to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment when applying techniques and selecting acupoints. It is insufficient to believe that pediatric massage only requires mastering simple operational methods and ancient formulaic techniques.
【Therapist Concentration】
During massage, the therapist must maintain focused attention. Techniques should be applied with appropriate intensity, beginning gently rather than forcefully. Movements should be light, smooth, steady, and firm, progressing from superficial to deeper layers to allow the child to gradually adapt. The therapist should adopt a warm and approachable demeanor to encourage the child's active cooperation, preventing fear that could hinder subsequent treatment.【Frequency of Massage】
Typically, massage is performed once daily before bedtime. For severely ill children, the frequency may be increased as appropriate. One week constitutes one treatment course. If no improvement is observed after two or three courses, seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment.
【Contraindications for Massage】
(1) Avoid massage on areas with burns, scalds, abrasions, lacerations, or active skin lesions such as boils.
(2) Certain acute infectious diseases, including cellulitis, bone tuberculosis, osteomyelitis, and erysipelas.
(3) Various malignant tumors, fractures, or dislocations.