Patient's question:
The child has been having bowel movements only every few days recently, and the stools are dry with difficulty defecating. It is said that pediatric acupuncture can treat constipation. I want to ask the doctor if constipation in children can be treated with pediatric acupuncture?Doctor's answer:
If a child experiences constipation again, it is entirely possible to help alleviate it with pediatric acupuncture. The method involves taking the child's right index finger and using the adult's thumb to gently push from the root of the child's index finger to the tip. The adult then lifts the thumb and focuses, avoiding back-and-forth movements. The finger can be lightly coated with prickly heat powder or talcum powder. The procedure takes about 10 minutes, and it can be done twice a day, with acupuncture for 3 to 5 days. Parents can use this method to help their children with acupuncture to aid in bowel movements.In addition to drinking plenty of warm water and honey water, children can be given more dietary fiber-rich fruits such as fragrant apples, red dragon fruits, and others that help moisten the intestines and promote bowel movement. In terms of diet, children should maintain a balanced nutrition and eat more coarse-fiber vegetables like southern celery and spinach. Probiotics can also be taken to adjust the intestinal flora, help with gastrointestinal peristalsis, and alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain and constipation.