Keep your child healthy this spring and summer with five easy techniques you can safely do at home.  All you need is a warm room, short nails and a little baby powder.  Your child’s age will determine how long you massage each spot.  For babies, massage each spot for 30 seconds.  For toddlers, massage each spot for 45 – 60 seconds.  Massage each spot 1 – 2 minutes for children ages 2 – 5 and 2 minutes for children between 5 and 12.

The first spot will be the line that runs from the tip of the thumb down to the base of the thumb.  Stroke from the tip to the base, lift your hand and repeat.  This area supports healthy digestion and a strong immune system.

The next spot will take you to your child’s right hand where you will use your own fingertips to rub in a counterclockwise circle on the palm.  This is a great area for overall physical health.

The third spot is the Chinese acupuncture point, stomach 36.  To find the point, run your fingers along the outside leg until you feel the tissue ‘dips’ – this is stomach 36.  Use your own thumbs to massage the point simultaneously on both legs.  This is a great point for good digestion.

The fourth spot will take you to your child’s belly.  Rub a little baby powder over your child’s bare belly to prevent chafing of the skin.  Use the fingers of your own hand to rub circles around your child’s belly in a clockwise direction.  This is a great area for supporting the digestion of your child.

The final technique is done on your child’s bare back.  Use the thumb and index fingers of both hands to pinch the skin from the base of the back all the way to the neck on both sides of the spine.  Pressure should be firm but gentle.  This is a great technique to do if you only have time for one as it supports all the organ networks in Chinese medicine.

Have fun!