For gastrointestinal issues, traditional Chinese massage offers a safer and more convenient alternative to medication or injections. Below are self-massage techniques for common acupoints to alleviate gastroenteritis. How to Treat Gastroenteritis? Self-Massage for Gastroenteritis 1. Begin with the Zhongwan acupoint.Zhongwan is a crucial point for treating gastrointestinal disorders. It's located at the midpoint between the lower end of the sternum and the navel, roughly one palm's width above the navel. To apply pressure, lie on your back and relax your muscles. While exhaling slowly, press firmly with your finger for 6 seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times to relieve stomach discomfort.This technique is particularly effective for stomach pain. 2. Next is the Tianshu point. Located two thumb-widths to either side of the navel, this point can be massaged by lying flat on your back and applying pressure with the middle three fingers for about 2 minutes. Tianshu primarily addresses indigestion, nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Next is Zusanli. Located four finger-widths below the outer knee eye along the tibial border, Zusanli is found just below the kneecap where you can feel a protrusion (lateral tibial condyle). Slightly outward and diagonally downward from this point lies another protrusion (lateral malleolus). Connecting these two bony prominences forms an equilateral triangle with its base pointing downward.The apex of this triangle marks the Zusanli point. Press for 6 seconds, release, and repeat 10 times. This promotes gastric acid secretion, soothes stomach discomfort, and provides pain relief.
How to Manage Gastroenteritis? Traditional Chinese Massage Offers Relief
(1) Adults:
Have the patient sit upright. Use thumbs to apply flat pressure along both sides of the lower spine where the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian runs for about 10 minutes. Follow by kneading and pinching the Spleen Shu (BL21), Stomach Shu (BL22), and Zusanli (ST36) points.Then have the patient lie prone. Use palms to rub both sides of the waist and sacral region for 5 minutes each. Finally, pinch and knead the Mingmen, Shenshu, Dàchángshu, and Bājiāo acupoints. If nausea or abdominal distension occurs, massage the upper abdomen and around the navel, and pinch and knead the Shàngwǎn, Zhōngwǎn, Tiānshū, and Qìhǎi points.(2) Children:
Spinal捏脊 (Niaoshi). First, place the index fingers of both hands horizontally across the child's Changqiang point and push upward. Simultaneously, use the thumbs and index fingers of both hands to lift the skin and muscles, alternating upward strokes to reach the Dazhui point once.After 5-6 repetitions, gently lift the muscles over the lumbar and thoracic spine 7-8 times. Finally, use both thumbs to press and roll from Mingmen to Shenshu on both sides.