Is it possible to massage a child with a runny nose and what to consider?

It can be challenging to determine which activities are safe for your child to participate in when they have a runny nose. Whether it’s acceptable to massage their child during this time is one of the most frequent queries parents have. Even though massages can be relaxing, there are crucial things to take into account when your child is ill.

Numerous advantages of massage therapy include relaxation and improved circulation. However, there are some precautions that need to be taken when a child has a cold or nasal congestion. Being aware of the relationship between massage and a runny nose will enable you to make the best choice for your child’s health.

This post will go over the dos and don’ts of massaging a child who has a runny nose as well as precautions you should take to make sure the child feels safe and comfortable.

Features

Massage for rhinitis in children is necessary, however, with observance of the technique of the procedure and certain safety measures. Such massage belongs to the category of the most complex types of manipulation – point. Moreover, it is not only a point, but also a complex massage, which includes different types of impact. Among all types of acupressure, it is the effect on rhinitis that is the simplest and easiest to master. Massage can be done to a child of any age – a baby, a preschooler, and a teenager. It helps regulate the production of nasal mucus, helps restore breathing, and improve local blood circulation. At the early stage of the disease, it helps the child breathe better, and at the final stage, it helps remove phlegm and promotes final recovery. Massage of the nose and other strategically important points should only be done when the child does not have a high temperature. In hot weather, massage can be harmful, causing increased blood circulation and increased fever.

As a result, parents ought to consider all of their options before choosing any supplemental therapies.

Technique of implementation

• between the eyebrows;
• in the area of ​​the wings of the nose and slightly higher.

Furthermore, there are additional acupuncture points that are thought to be connected to the nose. Where are they located?

• in the middle of each auricle;
• in the outer corners of the eyes;
• on the crown of the head;
• above the first cervical vertebra;
• on the hands in the space between the thumbs and index fingers;
• on the inside of the wrists;
• in the popliteal space;
• in the central part of the heels.

The child should only be awake when you begin the massage. The mother’s hands should be clean and warm. You can apply a drop of massage oil to the hands’ dry skin to make it easier to glide over the pointy parts.

Acupressure is unique in that the massage therapist must aim to precisely target a specific small biologically active point. Consequently, it is best to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the location diagram of the key massage points mentioned above before beginning.

The area around the eyebrows and temples cannot be massaged. It is best to avoid using too much force when massaging the biological points of the body because this can cause significant pain.

Contrary to popular belief, an adult (parent, sibling, etc.) should touch the points with the index or middle finger rather than the thumb. When massaging symmetrical points, both hands should be used simultaneously and synchronously, if at all possible. Between the eyebrows and above the first cervical vertebra are the only two locations that are regarded as asymmetrical. One hand is used to massage them.

Using the pads of your fingers, move the nose tip and wings in circles (10–12 "circles" clockwise, followed by the same number counterclockwise). From the nose’s wings, progressively descend to the crown, auricles, and interbrown space. From there, descend even lower (from the first vertebra to the hands and wrists) to the popliteal points and feet. This is the order that is advised. When nasal congestion is present, chaotic impact on biological points might not have a noticeable effect.

The session should last no longer than five minutes. You may give yourself this massage five times in a day.

Parents may be wondering if massaging their child with a runny nose is safe and helpful. In general, a light massage can help reduce stress and encourage calm, but there are a few crucial things to take into account. Make sure the child is at ease, steer clear of particularly delicate areas, and seek medical advice to make sure the activity is suitable for their particular condition. You can make your child feel better and support their recovery by adopting these preventative measures.

Who is contraindicated?

Acupressure for rhinitis is not recommended at high body temperatures, as was previously mentioned. Furthermore, in addition to a runny nose, the child should not receive acupressure treatments if they have:

• vomiting;
• high blood pressure;
• inflammatory process in the lymph nodes (the nodes are enlarged, and the skin surface above them is red and hot to the touch);
• the presence of hepatitis, HIV-positive status in the child;
• diagnosed and confirmed psychiatric diseases;
• tumors and neoplasms;
• osteomyelitis;
• skin diseases and injuries in the area of ​​​​point impact.

In the event that there are no contraindications, a 12-year-old child can receive acupressure for rhinitis without first seeing a doctor. If the child is younger, you must first get the pediatrician’s approval.

Tips and recommendations

Understanding the following advice is crucial.

• Sometimes doctors recommend performing acupuncture massage of acupuncture points for nasal congestion simultaneously with the use of the "Golden Star" balm or the "Sopelka" patch-applicator. Essential oils help to relieve breathing more quickly.
• The last session during the day should be done just before bedtime. This will help the child sleep better all night.
• If the child is restless during the procedure, it is better to interrupt the massage and return to it at a later time, when the baby"s mood is more appropriate.
• Carry out the massage in a playful way, tell the baby poems or fairy tales, sing a song. Then he will perceive the massage manipulations more benevolently.
• If the child is old enough to understand what is expected of him, try to combine acupressure for a runny nose with breathing exercises. During the massage of the point, breathing should be short and shallow, during the break between points, you need to take deep and measured breaths, if possible through the nose.

The most challenging is thought to be allergic rhinitis, for which massage will be useless if parents don’t stop their child from coming into contact with the allergen. It is also not recommended to use essential oils or products formulated with them for this type of rhinitis.

Even with a runny nose, children can benefit from massage, but there are some important considerations. A child can feel more at ease by having their nasal congestion relieved and their body calmed down with gentle, soothing massage techniques.

It’s crucial to refrain from massaging the child’s face, though, if they appear uncomfortable or have an irritated nose. Instead, concentrate on areas that can induce relaxation without causing pain, such as the feet, back, or chest.

Always keep the child’s general wellbeing and mood in mind. It’s best to hold off on giving them a massage until they seem better, especially if they have a fever. If in doubt, find out whether massage is appropriate by speaking with a pediatrician.

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