Infant eczema clinically manifests as multiple skin rashes—such as papules, vesicles, and pustules—often appearing symmetrically across the body. It causes paroxysmal itching that worsens at night and tends to recur frequently.Below, we explore massage techniques for treating infant eczema. How to Massage for Infant Eczema Massage Method 1 Common Techniques (1) Clear the Lung Meridian 300 times and the Large Intestine Meridian 100 times. (2) With the infant supine, parents use thumb and index/middle fingers to symmetrically pinch the Bai Chong acupoint 5 times.
(3) Press and knead the Quchi (LI11) and Zusanli (ST36) points for 1 minute each.
(4) With the child prone, the parent uses the small fish际 kneading technique along both sides of the spine, starting from the Feishu (BL13) point and moving downward. Proceed along the Pishu (BL20), Weishu (BL21), Sanjiaoshu (BL22), and Shenshu (BL23) points to the Baliao (BL31) points, repeating the treatment for about 5 minutes. Simultaneously, press and knead the aforementioned points with the fingers.
Modifications Based on Presentation
(1) Damp-Heat Pattern: Scattered pimples on the skin, burning and itching at affected areas, accompanied by restlessness, thirst, lethargy, constipation, scanty dark urine, red tongue with thick yellow coating. Add the following techniques:
① Clear Small Intestine 300 times, Retreat Six Fu Organs 100 times.
② Press and knead Yinlingquan (SP9) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) for 1 minute each.
(2) Milk/Food Injury Pattern: Scattered skin rashes with local itching, accompanied by loss of appetite, abdominal distension and pain, sour-smelling stools (loose or constipated), thick greasy tongue coating. Add the following techniques:
① Press and knead Zhongwan (CV12) for 1 minute.
② Knead Banmen (CV1) 200 times.
③ Rotate the inner Ba Gua 200 times.
④ Push the lower seven vertebrae 100 times.
Massage Method Two
Common Techniques
(1) Use the pad of the thumb to press and knead the Quchi, Huantiao, and Yanglingquan points for 1 minute each.
(2) With the child prone, parents pinch and knead the muscle at Diaoyu point 10–20 times using thumb, index, and middle fingers.
(3) Press and knead Spleen Shu, Stomach Shu, and Triple Energizer Shu points for 1 minute each.
(4) Parents should pinch and knead the Zusanli and Sanyinjiao points 20 times each, and pinch the Xuehai point 50 times.
Dietary Guidelines for the Child
First, during the illness, eliminate milk, eggs, fish, and shellfish from the diet. Replace these with meat, tofu, etc., to rule out protein allergies.
Second, restrict the mother's diet by eliminating pungent or "heat-inducing" foods to prevent these substances from entering the infant via breast milk and aggravating symptoms. The mother's diet should consist of light, easily digestible foods such as meat, soy products, vegetables, and fruits.
Third, for breastfed infants experiencing vomiting or diarrhea during illness, temporarily discontinue breastfeeding. Resume once symptoms subside.