This guide introduces safe and effective Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pediatric Tuina techniques to boost immunity, relieve common ailments, and promote healthy growth in babies and toddlers. Illustrated instructions included – save these gentle, non-invasive methods for your little ones!

Pediatric Tuina Techniques (with Illustrations)

1. Tonify the Spleen Meridian (补脾经)

  • Location: Radial side of the thumb, from the tip to the base in a straight line.
  • Method: Use your thumb to push from the child’s fingertip toward the base of the thumb 100–300 times.
  • Benefits: Strengthens the spleen, boosts Qi, and supports digestive function.

2. Knead Banmen (揉板门)

  • Location: The thenar eminence (fleshy part) of the palm.
  • Method: Use your thumb to knead the thenar area in a clockwise direction 100–300 times.
  • Benefits: Regulates the spleen and stomach, aids digestion, relieves vomiting/diarrhea.

3. Knead Xiaotianxin (揉小天心)

  • Location: Center of the palm’s root, where the thenar and hypothenar eminences meet.
  • Method: Knead with your thumb or middle finger 100–300 times.
  • Benefits: Clears heart heat, calms the mind, and improves sleep.

4. Clockwise Abdominal Rubbing (顺摩腹)

  • Location: The entire abdomen.
  • Method: Rub the abdomen clockwise around the navel (without moving subcutaneous tissue) for 3–5 minutes.
  • Benefits: Strengthens the spleen and stomach, regulates Qi, enhances intestinal motility.

5. Press and Knead Zusanli (足三里)

  • Location: On the outer side of the lower leg, 3 cun below the knee joint (one finger’s width from the tibia).
  • Method: Use your thumb to knead Zusanli clockwise for 1–2 minutes.
  • Benefits: Strengthens the spleen/stomach, regulates Qi, and unblocks meridians.

6. Press Yongquan (涌泉穴)

  • Location: On the sole, at the junction of the anterior 1/3 and posterior 2/3 of the foot.
  • Method: Knead Yongquan clockwise with your thumb for 1–2 minutes; gently tap the sole to boost circulation.
  • Benefits: Nourishes yin, calms liver wind, and revitalizes the mind.

7. Knead Shenzhu (身柱穴)

  • Location: On the midline of the upper back, below the 3rd thoracic vertebra.
  • Method: Knead with your thumb for 1–3 minutes; combine with moxibustion for enhanced effects.
  • Benefits: Tonifies Yang Qi, boosts immunity, and supports brain development.

8. Spinal Pinching (捏脊)

  • Location: Along the spine from the 1st thoracic vertebra to the sacrum.
  • Method: Gently pinch and lift the skin 3–5 times until the skin turns slightly pink.
  • Benefits: Balances yin-yang, harmonizes organs, regulates Qi-blood, and unblocks meridians.