Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution

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Childhood Indigestion:

Indigestion in children arises from imbalanced food proportions, leading to food accumulation in the digestive tract and a subsequent decline in digestive function. It is akin to Dyspepsia in Western medicine. While children of all ages can experience indigestion, it is particularly prevalent in infants and toddlers. Common indicators of childhood indigestion include loss of appetite, crying, stomach-aches, bad breath, constipation, foul-smelling stools, teeth grinding during sleep, and an elevated temperature in the palms and feet.

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Figure 1: Symptoms of Childhood Indigestion.


Overfeeding is a primary contributor to indigestion, causing sustained stress on the digestive tract and impairing the spleen and stomach's functions. This weakened state perpetuates the occurrence of indigestion. In some instances, a child may be born with an innately weaker spleen and stomach, rendering them more susceptible to indigestion even with minor dietary changes.

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Figure 2: Causes of Childhood Indigestion.


Fortunately, most cases of childhood indigestion respond well to proper treatment. However, in rare instances where indigestion persists without timely intervention, it can lead to severe damage to the spleen and stomach, hindering a child's growth and exacerbating the risk of infantile malnutrition.

  Pediatric Tuina for Children's Indigestion:

  Pediatric Tuina, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories, is an external technique designed to regulate qi and blood in the organs and meridians through targeted massage of specific areas and acupoints on children. This technique is both easy to administer and proven to be safe and effective for children. Typically performed once or twice daily, it is most suitable for children aged 6 years and below.

  To enhance the effectiveness of Pediatric Tuina and minimize friction, it is advisable to use applicable lubricants like baby powder or baby oil. Additionally, more time should be given to certain massages, such as abdomen rubbing, which typically requires more time to perform. It is also recommended to save more stimulating techniques, like finger-nail pressing, for the end of the session to prevent unnecessary discomfort for the child, ensuring the smooth execution of other massages. Listed below are some of the common techniques used for children’s indigestion.

 
  1. Tonifying the spleen meridian
    2. Method: Stroke the radial side of the thumb from the tip to the base of the thumb 100-200 times.

    Effects: Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, tonifies qi and blood.
  1. Clearing the stomach meridian
    2. Method: Stroke the radial side of the thenar eminence from the base of the palm to the base of the thumb 100-200 times.

    Effects: Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, descends adverse qi and clears heat.
  1. Rubbing Ban Men
    2. Method: Rub the centre of the thenar eminence in a clockwise manner 100-200 times.

    Effects: Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, improves digestion and resolves food stagnation.
  1. Abdomen rubbing
    2. Method: Using your palm, rub the abdomen in a clockwise manner 100-200 times. This method is usually done for 5 minutes.

    Effects: Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, regulates qi and improves digestion.
  1. Fingernail-pressing on Si Feng
    2. Method: Using the fingernail of your thumb, press on the proximal interphalangeal joint of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger for about 10 times each.

    Effects: Clears heat and relieves restlessness, resolves food stagnation and relieves flatulence.

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Figure 3, 4: Pediatric Tuina Techniques.


Preventing indigestion in children:

As the proverb says, “Prevention is better than cure.” Overfeeding poses a risk to the proper functioning of a child's spleen and stomach. Therefore, it is advisable for parents to provide an appropriate quantity of milk or food for their children and establish regular feeding schedules. Striking a balance is crucial – a child should neither be left hungry nor overindulged. The quantity of milk or food and the introduction of solid foods should be gradually adjusted based on the child's age. Additionally, parents should promote the regularity of their children's bowel movements. Last but not least, it is essential to instill in children the importance of cultivating healthy dietary habits, such as limiting the consumption of raw, cold, or oily foods and avoiding binge eating or picky eating habits.
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