Acupressure, which was developed as an aspect of Chinese medicine over 5,000 years ago, is used to help treat pain and illness, restore balance within the organs and body systems and prevent disease. This method of healing involves massaging acupressure points throughout your body that lie on imaginary lines called meridians. Stimulating these points activates your body's qi - life force energy - and relieves obstructions and blockages that can cause undesirable symptoms. Acupressure is generally considered safe and may provide you with a natural, effective treatment for your child's stomachaches.
Stomachache
Stomachaches, or abdominal pain, in children can occur quite often and be the result of a number of factors. Your child may have constipation, an infection, food allergies, food poisoning, stress, anxiety or a more serious medical condition. Your child's pain may be crampy, sharp or dull, and occur suddenly or come on slowly. Take note of your child's symptoms and contact your healthcare provider, especially if the pain is new or worsens over time. If your healthcare provider has ruled out a serious health condition, you may try massaging certain acupressure points to help relieve your child's pain and discomfort.
Acupressure Points
You can try gently massaging a number of acupressure points to help relieve your child's stomach pain, reduce nausea and improve digestion. One point that helps reduce general stomach discomfort is called ren 12 and is located on your child's abdomen, at the midpoint between the belly button and the bottom of the breastbone. Another point that is especially effective for relieving nausea is pericardium 6, located about three of your child's finger width's above the wrist crease on the interior aspect of the forearm. Stomach 36 benefits the digestion and is located on your child's leg, about four finger width's below the outer aspect of the kneecap and just off the edge of the shinbone.
Technique
After locating the acupressure point, use your thumb, finger or the eraser end of a pencil and use gentle but firm pressure to massage the point. Children tend to respond quicker with less stimulation than adults, so you may only need to massage each point for a few seconds. Listen to your child's feedback and watch for visual cues that the acupressure is working, such as relaxation, slowed breathing or closing his or her eyes. Alternate through massaging each acupressure point until your child reports feeling better or visibly looks better or seems more relaxed. Repeat as necessary.
Safety
Consult a licensed acupuncturist for accurate point location and instructions for safe and effective acupressure technique. Although acupressure is generally considered safe and rarely causes negative side effects, inappropriate point stimulation may cause bruising, pain or unnecessary discomfort for your child. Furthermore, avoid attempting to diagnose the cause for your child's stomachache and do not use acupressure as a replacement for conventional medical treatment when necessary.
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