Location: At the intersection of the midline of the crown and the line connecting the tips of both ears.
Technique: Pressing method. Applying pressure with the thumb is called finger pressing, also known as the point method or finger-needle method, signifying the use of fingers as substitutes for needles. During pressure application, depending on the specific situation, one may either press firmly on the acupoint or perform slow spiral movements along the meridian line.
Kneading technique: Using the fingertip pad, firmly grasp a specific area or acupoint and rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction while kneading.
Procedure: Pressing or kneading with the thumb is termed "Pressing Baihui" or "Kneading Baihui." Perform 30–50 presses or 100–200 kneading motions.
2. Tonify the Spleen Meridian 200 times
Location: The spiral surface of the distal phalanx of the thumb.
Technique: Using the side or pad of the thumb, apply straight-line pressure along the acupoint.
Procedure: Flex the child's thumb and push along its lateral side from the interdigital space to the base of the thumb, 100–300 times.
3. Tonify the Lung Meridian 200 times
Location: The spiral surface of the distal phalanx of the ring finger.
Technique: Rotational pushing. Use the thumb pad to apply a clockwise rotational push on the acupoint.
Procedure: Rotation is tonifying (tonifying the lung meridian); straight pushing from fingertip to base is clearing (clearing the lung meridian). Tonifying and clearing the lung meridian are collectively termed "pushing the lung meridian." Here, tonifying is selected: perform rotational pushing 100–300 times.
4. Tonify Kidney Meridian 200 times
Location: The spiral surface of the distal phalanx of the little finger.
Technique: Pushing method. Use the side or pad of the thumb to apply straight-line pressure on the point.
Procedure: Push along the little finger from the base to the tip 100–300 times.
5. Tonify the Small Intestine 100 times
Location: Along the ulnar (outer) edge of the little finger, forming a straight line from the fingertip to the base.
Technique: Push technique—use the side or pad of the thumb to apply straight-line pressure along the point.
Operation: Push straight from the fingertip toward the base to tonify the small intestine; the opposite direction is clearing. Tonifying and clearing the small intestine are collectively termed "pushing the small intestine." Here, tonification is performed.
Note: The technique is performed by the practitioner.
Procedure: Push straight from the fingertip toward the base for tonification (tonifying the small intestine); reverse direction for dispersion (dispersing the small intestine). Both are collectively termed "pushing the small intestine." Here, perform tonification 100–300 times.
6. Rub Wai Laogong 100 times
Location: Center of the back of the hand, opposite Nei Laogong.
Technique: Rubbing method. Use the fingertip to firmly press and hold a specific area or point, then rotate and knead in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
Operation: Rub with the thumb, known as rubbing Wai Laogong. Perform 100–200 times.
7. Push the Three Passes 100 times
Location: On the radial side (thumb side) of the forearm, forming a straight line from the wrist crease to the elbow crease.
Technique: Use the index and middle finger pads to push straight along the acupoint.
Procedure: Push 50–100 times.
Procedure: Use the side of the thumb or the pads of the index and middle fingers to push from the wrist toward the elbow, known as "Pushing the Three Passes." Perform 50–100 times.8. Knead Kidney Shu 100 times
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the inferior border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (between the spinous processes of the second and third lumbar vertebrae), one on each side.Simplified location method: Locate the baby's iliac crest (the bone felt when placing hands on hips). The intersection of the line connecting the highest points of the iliac crests and the spine marks the fourth lumbar vertebra. Counting two vertebrae upward from there locates the second lumbar vertebra.
Technique: Rubbing method. Use fingertips to firmly press and hold a specific area or acupoint, then rotate and knead in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
Procedure: Use both thumbs or the index and middle fingers of one hand to knead both acupoints simultaneously. This is called rubbing the Kidney Shu points. Perform 100–200 times.
9. Press and knead Sanyinjiao 100 times
Location: 3 cun above the medial malleolus (For infants: the width of four fingers together approximates 3 cun. This measurement is relative, not fixed, so it varies slightly between babies).
Technique: Pressing involves applying pressure with the thumb, also called finger pressing, point pressing, or finger-needling—using fingers as needles. Pressure may be held stationary on the point or moved slowly in a spiral along the meridian line. Rubbing involves suctioning the fingertip onto a specific area or point and rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise.
Procedure: Use the thumb or index finger to press and knead the Sanyinjiao acupoint. Press 30–50 times, then knead 100–200 times.
Folk Remedies for Bedwetting in Children
1. Remedy One:Take a small handful of Chinese chive seeds, grind them finely with a rolling pin, mix with flour to form small cakes, steam until cooked, and consume twice daily. This warms and tonifies kidney yang, suitable for enuresis due to deficient kidney qi in children. Chinese chives have excellent kidney-tonifying and yang-strengthening effects, while chive seeds similarly warm and tonify the liver and kidneys.Leeks and leek seeds have remarkably similar effects but are used for adults and children respectively. 2. Remedy Two: Take one egg and seven white peppercorns. Crack a small hole in the egg, insert the peppercorns, seal the hole with paper, and steam until cooked. Eat one egg daily. This is especially suitable for enuresis caused by spleen and lung qi deficiency in children.
3. Folk Remedy Three: 25g leek roots, washed and chopped. Wrap in clean gauze, squeeze out juice, add water, boil, and drink warm. Take twice daily for 10 consecutive days.
4. Folk Remedy Four: 3g gallnut powder mixed with vinegar, applied externally to the navel. One treatment cycle lasts 10 days.
5.Folk Remedy 5: 150g fresh plums, 2g green tea, 25g honey. Halve plums and boil in 400ml water for 3 minutes. Add tea and honey, bring to boil again, then strain. Clears heat, drains dampness, softens liver, and disperses nodules.
What to Note for Pediatric Massage
1. Pediatric massage is suitable for children aged 0–14.
2. Perform in a sheltered, low-light environment with minimal noise. Maintain a quiet, tidy room with fresh air and comfortable temperature. After treatment, avoid drafts and refrain from consuming cold foods.Nails should be trimmed regularly, and freshly cut nails must be filed smooth. Hands should be warm during winter sessions.
4. Performing massage when the child is overly hungry or full may hinder therapeutic effectiveness. If the child is crying, soothe them first before proceeding.
5. Children's skin is delicate. Avoid scratching or breaking the skin during massage. At-home massage may use massage oil or talcum powder as a lubricant to prevent skin damage.Strong stimulation techniques like "grasping, pinching, kneading, and pounding" should generally be reserved for last, except in emergencies, to avoid causing distress and disrupting treatment. The duration of each technique depends on the condition and constitution, varying from case to case. In practice, pushing and kneading are most commonly used, while rubbing typically requires more time.When applying pinching or pressing techniques, the approach should be firm, brief, and swift. If treating acupoints on only one hand, the left hand is generally used regardless of gender. 7. Typically, a pediatric massage session lasts 10–20 minutes. However, the frequency and duration may vary based on the condition and the child's age. Older children with more severe conditions require more frequent sessions and longer durations.Conversely, fewer sessions and shorter durations apply. Typically, sessions occur once daily, with twice-daily sessions for severe conditions. Chronic conditions requiring prolonged treatment follow a 7- to 10-day course. After completing one course, a few days' rest is recommended before commencing the next course. Experts advise: For pediatric massage targeting different systems, regular sessions can be scheduled daily or every other day.During treatment, fewer acupoints may be selected, stimulation intensity should be slightly reduced, and duration maintained around 15 minutes. 8. Fundamental requirements for pediatric massage techniques: uniformity, gentleness, lightness, and persistence. 9. Pay attention to the child's posture during treatment. The principle is to ensure the child's comfort, alleviate fear, and facilitate manipulation.
10. Contraindications for pediatric massage include: fractures, traumatic bleeding; skin lesions, skin ulcers; burns, scalds; acute, virulent infectious diseases; cancer and critical illnesses.
12. The final and most crucial point: A clear diagnosis must be established before pediatric massage treatment. If parents are uncertain, seek medical evaluation first! Pediatric conditions can change rapidly and require urgent attention—parents must not be negligent.