How to Massage a Child's Abdomen for Bloating
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
During the massage, observe the child's reaction to ensure there is no pain or discomfort. If bloating persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, seek medical attention promptly to rule out other health issues. Additionally, in daily life, pay attention to the child's diet and avoid excessive intake of hard-to-digest foods to reduce the occurrence of bloating.
Generally speaking, the term "belly" refers to the abdomen. Abdominal distension in children can be relieved through massage techniques such as clockwise abdominal massage, abdominal lifting, abdominal flexion, navel kneading combined with acupressure, and general abdominal rubbing. The specific methods are analyzed as follows:
1. Clockwise Massage
Place your palm on the child's abdomen and gently massage in a clockwise direction centered around the navel. The clockwise direction aligns with the natural peristaltic movement of the colon, helping the digestive tract expel gas smoothly and relieve bloating.
2. Abdominal Lifting
Gently stroke the child's abdomen with both hands, moving from top to bottom and then bottom to top with gentle lifting motions. This massage technique helps relieve abdominal tension and promotes intestinal motility.
3. Abdominal Flexion
Have the child lie on their back with knees bent. Gently press both knees toward the abdomen and hold for a few seconds before releasing. Repeat this motion several times; it can help expel gas from the intestines and relieve bloating.
4. Navel and Acupoint Massage
Use the tip of the middle finger or the palm's heel to knead the navel area and acupoints such as Tianshu (ST25) and Zhongwan (CV12). This can help strengthen the spleen and stomach, aid digestion, and relieve food stagnation, effectively treating symptoms such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and indigestion.
5. Abdominal Rubbing (Mo Fu)
Parents should warm their hands by rubbing them together and then gently massage the area around the navel in a clockwise direction for 3–5 minutes. Alternatively, use the palm or four fingers to directly massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction. This can help children digest food, relieve food stagnation, reduce nausea and vomiting, strengthen the spleen, alleviate diarrhea and constipation, and treat symptoms such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and constipation.
During the massage, observe the child's reaction carefully to ensure they experience no pain or discomfort. If the bloating remains severe or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, seek medical attention promptly to rule out other health issues.
