Patient's question:
My baby is 42 days old. She started experiencing gas just a few days after birth. The doctor prescribed Sima Decoction, but it doesn't seem to be very effective. The gas goes down temporarily but comes back again. She also has bowel movements several times a day, and her stomach makes gurgling noises. The baby has been exclusively breastfed, with very few instances of formula feeding.Previous Treatment and Effects:
The hospital doctor prescribed Sima Decoction, but it hasn’t been very effective.
Type of Help Needed:
I’m unsure whether I should continue giving Sima Decoction. The baby has bowel movements several times a day—is this due to gas or diarrhea? Should the gas be treated? Can it resolve on its own? If it doesn’t need treatment, when will it improve? I’ve heard that sleeping on the stomach can help alleviate it, but how long can a baby this young sleep in that position?
Please help, doctors!
Doctor's answer:
Tui Na Methods for Pediatric Abdominal DistensionTui Na Method 1
(1) The child lies on their back. The parent uses the tip of the middle finger to rub the Tan Zhong acupoint 50 times, then uses the palm root to straightly push the Tan Zhong acupoint 50 times, and finally divides the Yang and Yin of the abdomen 30 times.
(2) The child lies on their stomach. The parent (mó Zhong Wan) for 5 minutes, then points and rubs the Shen Shui acupoint for 1 minute.
(3) The parent kneads the Zusanli acupoint for 2 minutes.
Tui Na Method 2
(1) The child lies on their stomach. The parent uses the thumb to roll the Nei Ba Gua 100 times and push the Ban Men 200 times.
(2) The child lies on their stomach. The parent uses the thenar eminence to (mó Zhong Wan) in a clockwise direction for 5 minutes, then divides the Yang and Yin of the abdomen 50 times.