Is pediatric tuina massage effective for intestinal colic?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 11, 2024
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When infants experience intestinal colic, it is generally due to excessive gas accumulation in the intestinal cavity, where the gas cannot be normally expelled from the body, leading to abdominal pain. Appropriate use of pediatric massage techniques can be employed to treat this condition, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms. Especially, clockwise massaging the abdomen of the affected child has a very clear clinical effect in promoting intestinal peristalsis and gas expulsion. In addition, assisting children with some lower limb exercises can also promote gastrointestinal motility and gas expulsion. If there is abnormal stool, combining oral probiotics to regulate and maintain the intestinal flora can be beneficial. If necessary, medications that promote gastrointestinal motility can also be taken orally to help with gas expulsion.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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What should I do if a baby with colic won't sleep?

If an infant suffers from colic and has difficulty sleeping, treatment of the underlying condition should be conducted. It is essential to first understand the causes of colic, which are primarily due to the immature digestive system of the baby. If poor digestion leads to excessive intestinal gas and subsequently causes rapid intestinal movements, it may result in discomfort in the abdominal nerves, thus causing colic. The main treatments for colic should involve both diet and medication. In terms of diet, it is advisable to choose light, liquid-based, and easily digestible foods. It is also important to avoid overeating, opting instead for smaller, more frequent meals. Moreover, the use of probiotics and certain traditional Chinese medicinal formulations can help regulate the function of the spleen and stomach, aiding digestion and absorption. Additionally, abdominal massages can stimulate intestinal movements, facilitating the expulsion of gas and easing bowel movements, thereby potentially reducing the incidence of colic.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Can a pacifier be used for intestinal colic?

First, we need to understand the causes of colic. It commonly occurs in infants when breastfeeding or formula feeding, due to ingesting large amounts of air. The air bubbles move within the intestines and cause abdominal pain. Furthermore, overfeeding can lead to excessive stomach expansion, which can also cause discomfort. Therefore, when feeding, it is important to ensure that the child does not inhale a large amount of air. Additionally, using a pacifier can lead to the intake of more air, thereby exacerbating colic. Thus, prevention is more important than treatment. Mothers should be careful not to let the baby inhale air while breastfeeding, as this is the most common cause of the condition.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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How many months will it take for intestinal colic to get better?

Colic is one of the most common clinical complications in infants. The principle of its onset mainly lies in the incomplete development of intestinal function in infants within three or six months, which leads to the inability of gas to be expelled from the body normally, thus causing symptoms of localized abdominal pain due to the gas. Generally, as the child grows older and the gastrointestinal function repairs, the situation will gradually improve after three or five months. During this period, oral probiotics can be chosen to alleviate local symptoms, and parents can assist the child in performing clockwise abdominal massage to facilitate gas expulsion. Additionally, exercising by mimicking bicycle pedaling can also be helpful.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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Intestinal colic, airplane embrace several times a day

Intestinal colic is generally caused by intestinal function or obstruction, causing extremely severe pain during attacks, and the timing of the pain is irregular, making it very tough for children. Children are usually very weak after an episode of intestinal colic, so it is recommended for parents to adopt comfortable holding methods for the baby. The airplane hold is a commonly used method, but the frequency of using the airplane hold should also be controlled. For children with intestinal colic, decisions should be made based on the frequency of the child's episodes, and adjustments can be made accordingly based on these episodes.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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What to do about baby colic?

When a baby experiences colic, it is important to massage their abdomen in a clockwise direction. Start by applying a warm compress to the baby's belly, followed by a clockwise abdominal massage for ten minutes each time, three times a day. You can also hold the child in an "airplane hold." Regularly ensure enhanced care to avoid the baby's abdomen getting cold. For babies under six months, the mother's diet should be light and easy to digest. Avoid overly greasy, spicy, or cold foods. Consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, kiwi, and apples. If the baby is over six months old, it's essential to manage their diet with smaller, more frequent meals.