Supporting Our Little Ones in Stressful Situations: Calming Tui Na Massage Routine for Children
How can you support your child when they’re feeling worried or anxious? One of the simplest yet most powerful ways is through one-on-one time. Offering them a gentle, calming massage can help ease their mind and release tension, creating a moment of connection and reassurance.
Many of these points are key acupuncture points and they can be applied for adults too (you may increase the massage time to 5 min for each point for adults).
Tuina Massage Routine for Anxious & Restless Children
Perform regularly in sequence for a cumulative calming effect.
- Each move: 1-2 minutes
- Movement: Rapid and rhythmic
- Pressure: Firm but gentle (let your child guide you)
You may combine (1) and (2) by using your thumb on KI1 and index finger on LR3 simultaneously.
(1) Bubbling Spring (Yongquan, KI1)
- Location: Centre of the sole, just below the ball of the foot
- Technique: Use your thumb to rub in small circles
(2) Great Surge (Taichong, LR3)
- Location: On top of the foot, in the hollow between the first and second metatarsal bones, opposite Yongquan (K1)
- Technique: Use your thumbs to knead this point for 1–2 minutes.
(3) Palace of Toil (Laogong, PC8)
Location: In the centre of the palm, at the point where the tip of the middle finger lands when you close your hand
- Technique: Knead the point 100+ times
- You may combine (4) and (5) into one stroke, going up from above the nose
to the forehead and then outwards towards the hairline:
(4) Heaven Gate (Tianmen)
Location: From the point between the eyebrows to the anterior hairline
Technique: Use your thumbs to stroke repeatedly in a straight line upwards
(5) Water Palace (Kangong)
- Location: Above the eyebrows, from the middle of the forehead to the outer edges
- Technique: Use both thumbs to gently push outwards.
Extra Tips:
- Encourage deep breathing while massaging.
- Create a calming environment with soft lighting and gentle sounds.
- Use a warm oil or lotion for extra relaxation.
Stay safe!
Do you have questions how acupuncture may assist you and your family?
Child-friendly acupuncture and tui na acupressure massage are very gentle interventions that help your child relax and let go of stress. Here at the Bright Side Family Acupuncture in Brisbane, we look at the child as a unique person and come up with a tailored treatment approach to restore balance for body and mind. Please check out our articles on paediatric massage and paediatric acupuncture.
It is a priority for us to make sure every child enjoys their treatment and looks forward to their next session. Do you have questions? Please don’t hesitate to schedule a free 15-minute discovery call with Christin during which we can discuss these in detail.
