In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Paediatric Tuina (xiao er tui na) (小儿推拿) is particularly useful as the body constitution of young infants and children is delicate as their organs are still developing rapidly and have yet to mature. This explains why they are vulnerable to common health issues such as respiratory, digestive, and sleep issues and pediatric tuina is gentle enough for children this age. As caregivers, it is heartening to see our little ones unwell. While physically being present with your child provides comfort, it is good to explore alternative holistic treatments to aid in their recovery.
Paediatric Tuina is a natural and non-invasive massage therapy specifically designed for young infants and children, between the age of 3 months old to 6 years old. It involves gentle stimulation of acupoints along the meridians on their delicate skin through rhythmic kneading, rubbing, and tapping to improve energy circulation, relieve discomforts and enhance overall wellness in your child (a safe option with minimal side effects).
Common Conditions in Children
Respiratory issues:
- Recurrent cough after flu/cold with phlegm
- Runny nose/stuffy nose
Digestive issues:
- Abdomen pain/bloating
- Nauseous
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
Sleep issues:
- Night crying
- Poor sleep quality
Allergy issues:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Hives
- Eczema
Others: Frequent bed wetting
Benefits of Paediatric Tuina
- Improve digestion and nutrients absorption
- Strengthen your child’s immune system to be more resilient against infectious diseases (so that your child falls sick less frequently)
- Relieve common ailments such as respiratory, digestive and sleep issues
- Promote growth and development by regulating the flow of Qi, improving circulation and harmonizing organs functions
- Enhance neurological development through stimulating nervous system and improving sensory and motor skills
- Clinical studies[12,13] have established that neonatal jaundice treatment by Tuina can promote the metabolism and excretion of bilirubin, reduce the intestinal and hepatic circulation of bilirubin, stimulate the meridian system in the body, and smoothen the operation of qi and blood.
What to expect after a Paediatric Tuina Session
As Paediatric Tuina treatment is gentle and soothing, your child may feel more relaxed with reduced pain and discomfort after a session. It helps promote better sleep in young infants and children, making it easier for them to fall asleep, have a restful sleep and experience fewer disruptions during the night.
For chronic conditions such as prolong persistent cough, abdomen bloating and/or pain, inconsistent bowel movement, it is advised to come for treatment on a regular basis to alleviate these issues by regulating energy flow in the child’s body, boosting energy level and improving overall vitality.
Having regular Paediatric Tuina therapy helps to improve energy circulation and harmonize organ’s function for the body to work optimally, promote growth and development and strengthen one’s immunity.
* Note:
It is recommended for parents to seek guidance from a qualified and trained TCM physician to perform Paediatric Tuina treatment on your child. They can tailor the treatment accordingly to your child’s needs while ensuring optimal safety and effectiveness. It is important to note that every child response differently to Pediatric Tuina, and the effects can vary depending on the child’s individual condition and needs.
References:
This article is written by our TCM partner, EMW TCM Clinic.
- Zhang X, Guo T, Zhu B, Gao Q, Wang H, Tai X, Jing F. Pediatric Tuina for promoting growth and development of preterm infants: A protocol for the systematic review of randomized controlled trail. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 May;97(18):e0574. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000010574. PMID: 29718853; PMCID: PMC6392971.
- Lu, T., Yin, L., Chen, R. et al. Chinese pediatric Tuina on children with acute diarrhea: a randomized sham-controlled trial. Health Qual Life Outcomes 19, 4 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12955-020-01636-1
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