A cold, that is, an upper respiratory tract infection, is one of the most common illnesses of childhood. The inflammation can involve the nose, throat, tonsils, larynx and other areas, and it can also spread to neighboring organs, causing middle ear inflammation, conjunctivitis, sinusitis, inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes and a retropharyngeal abscess.
Acute upper respiratory infections occur all year round, and most often in winter and spring, when the weather changes sharply. In most cases they are caused by viruses; in some cases they are linked to bacteria or to a mixed viral-bacterial infection.
Below are the pediatric Tuina massage techniques used for a cold: first the four basic techniques, then additional routines for five types of cold.
This article is for information only and does not replace a doctor's advice. The techniques are demonstrated by a physician, and at home they are performed only after a consultation.
Basic massage techniques for colds in children
These four techniques are used for any type of cold: start with them, then add the techniques that match the specific type. During the massage you can use aids such as massage oil, talc or water.
Technique 1. Apply a little ginger juice to the palm and use the broad part of the palm to rub the back and lower back on both sides of the spine — along the bladder meridian. Continue until the skin turns slightly red.
Technique 2. Massage the Fengmen and Feishu points on the back with circular pressure, 1 minute for each point.
Technique 3. Using the thumbs of both hands, massage the Yingxiang point 20–30 times. Then massage the Yintang and Cuanzhu points, spread the movement across the forehead to both temples and apply circular pressure with the thumb. Repeat until the skin turns slightly red.
Technique 4. Massage the Quchi and Hegu points with circular pressure for 1–3 minutes.
Massage techniques by type of cold
The four basic techniques are followed by those that match the type of cold. Below are five types: the signs of each and the techniques.
Type 1. Wind-cold
Signs: the child feels chilly, has a fever and does not sweat, may have aching arms and legs, has clear nasal discharge and thin phlegm when coughing, and the tongue looks pale.
Massage techniques — in addition to the basic ones.
Massage along the Sanguan area 300 times.
Massage the Wailaogong point 100 times.
With both hands, grasp and lift the muscles in the Jianjing area 6–9 times.
Massage the Ershanmen point 50 times, with slightly more force and at a faster pace.
Type 2. Wind-heat
Signs: high fever, discomfort from wind or cold, sore throat, dry mouth, sweating, yellow nasal discharge, a cough with yellow phlegm, a red tongue tip and a thin yellow coating.
Massage techniques — in addition to the basic ones.
Clear the lung meridian 300 times.
Massage along the Tianheshui area 100 times. This area runs along the midline of the inner forearm, from the wrist to the elbow.
Massage the Dazhui point with circular pressure for 1–3 minutes.
Using the palm, rub the sacral area crosswise until it feels warm.
In the Jianjing area, use a grasping massage 3–5 times.
Type 3. Cold with a cough and heavy phlegm
Signs: the cold comes with frequent coughing and heavy phlegm; some children cannot cough the phlegm up.
Massage techniques — in addition to the basic ones.
Massage the Tiantu point for 1 minute.
At the Shanzhong point, massage outward to both sides 100 times. This point lies midway between the nipples.
Massage the Xiaohengwen point 100 times. This area lies on the palmar creases at the base of the index, middle, ring and little fingers.
Type 4. Cold with high fever and seizures
Signs: at the start of a cold, when body temperature rises quickly to 38.5–39.5 °C, seizures may occur. The child may lose consciousness and the whole body may convulse; the gaze may fix on one point, and the eyes may turn to the side or upward.
High fever and seizures are a medical emergency. Massage cannot replace medical care — see a doctor immediately.
Massage techniques — in addition to the basic ones.
Clear the lung meridian 300 times.
Clear the heart meridian 300 times.
Massage along the Tianheshui area 500 times.
Massage the Yongquan point 200 times.
Type 5. Cold with loss of appetite
Signs: after the cold the child has no interest in food, has a bitter taste in the mouth and does not even want to drink water.
Massage techniques — in addition to the basic ones.
Massage the Banmen point 100 times.
Massage the Zhongwan point with circular movements for 3 minutes.
Massage the Zusanli point with circular pressure for 1 minute.
Massage along the Sanguan area 100 times.
How much pressure to use and when to see a doctor
Pediatric massage should be done with a force that matches the child's age, physical condition and the severity of the illness. If a high fever lasts a long time, breathing becomes difficult or the child's general condition worsens, see a doctor first.
This article is for information only and does not replace a doctor's advice. The techniques are demonstrated by a physician, and at home they are performed only after a consultation.
About the author
Yang Hongtao is a TCM rehabilitation physician and Tuina massage specialist. He graduated from the Medical University of Taiyuan (Shanxi Province), Department of Acupuncture and Tuina, and has 9 years of rehabilitation experience. He has worked at the NeuroLife International Children's Development Center since 2022. His profile is in the Team section.
Tuina massage for children is performed at NeuroLife in Tashkent. How the procedure works, its indications and the length of a course are described on the Tuina Massage page.
If you are not sure whether massage is right for your child, start with a doctor's appointment: book a consultation.