Pinching the spine is one of the core techniques in pediatric Chinese massage, stimulating the meridians and acupoints along the spine to regulate the internal organs and promote the circulation of qi and blood. Here are the specific operational points and precautions:

​I. Basic Operational Steps

1. ​Position Preparation
   • Have the child lie face down on the bed, keeping the back straight and relaxed, exposing the spine area.
   • The operator should trim their nails and warm their hands, ensuring gentle techniques.
2. ​Direction and Technique of Pinching the Spine
   • ​Upward Pinching (Tonifying Method)​: Start from the tailbone (Changqiang point), with the middle section of the index fingers pressing against the skin, and the thumb and index finger, middle finger working together, lifting and pinching the skin from bottom to top, twisting and advancing to the Dazhui point, repeating 3-5 times.
   • ​Key Actions:
     • When pinching to the Dazhui point, lift and pull upward twice to invigorate yang qi;
     • After pinching to the ribs, switch to the “pinch three, lift one” method (pinch three times, lift once) to avoid excessive stimulation.
3. ​Finishing Technique
   • On the 4th round, after pinching to the ribs, do not lift and pinch anymore, just push upward to the Dazhui;
   • After pinching, rub the back from top to bottom to warm it, and finally, gently tap the tailbone 3 times.

It’s important to use moderate force during the massage. For regular health maintenance, the technique should be relatively gentle, depending on the child’s age and constitution.

​II. Constitution Differences and Adjustment Strategies

1. ​Excess Heat Constitution (Prone to Fire and Constipation)​
   • Avoid simply pinching upward; instead, use the “downward pinch, upward lift” method: pinch from the Dazhui downward to the tailbone, lifting once to clear deficient fire.
   • Combine with techniques like rubbing the Banmen and clearing the Tianhe water to alleviate stomach fire.
2. ​Deficient Cold Constitution (Prone to Food Stagnation and Fatigue)​
   • Use the traditional upward pinching method, combined with moxibustion on Zusanli and Zhongwan points to warm and tonify the spleen and stomach.
   • Diet can include yam porridge, red date millet porridge, and other spleen-strengthening foods.

For children with obvious excess heat, upward pinching should be done in moderation, as excessive pinching may cause more heat.

Upward pinching greatly tonifies yang qi, which can increase heat, and heat can accelerate the body’s metabolic functions, so it should be done according to the child’s constitution, not excessively, and not multiple times a day.

Some mothers think that the more they pinch, the better the health benefits, pinching their children 20 to 30 times a day, both morning and evening.

A special reminder: because upward pinching can increase stomach fire, for children with strong stomachs and weak spleens, such as those who eat a lot but still feel hungry and are prone to food stagnation, mothers should not just pinch upward. If there’s obvious heat, downward pinching can be used.

Key Points of Pinching the Spine

1. When pinching to the Dazhui, you must lift twice to invigorate yang qi (to compensate for the inadequacy of amateur techniques).

2. After reaching the Dazhui, you must swipe downward, which also helps to clear deficient fire.

3. On the fourth round, do not lift after pinching from the tailbone to the ribs (to tonify the middle jiao spleen and stomach).

4. After pinching five rounds, use your palm to rub back and forth from top to bottom several times to make the back red and warm (to consolidate the effect).

5. Finally, tap the tailbone three times (gently).

​III. Precautions

1. ​Contraindicated Groups
   • Children with skin damage, infection, spinal deformity, acute fever, or epilepsy are prohibited from using this technique;
   • Patients with hypertension or bleeding disorders should use it with caution.
2. ​Operational Details
   • The force should be such that the skin becomes slightly red and the child can tolerate it, avoiding excessive friction;
   • Perform once a day, with a course of 7-10 days, and rest for 3-5 days before repeating.

​Scientific Basis and Effects

After the start of spring, by seizing the opportunity for growth, through reasonable diet, sufficient sleep, appropriate exercise, and pediatric massage, it is believed that children can thrive in this beautiful season. Pinching the spine stimulates the Du meridian and the Bladder meridian, which can regulate the functions of the internal organs and promote the secretion of growth hormones.

3. Clinical data shows that children who persist in pinching the spine for more than 3 months have an improvement rate of over 80% in spleen and stomach function, with a significant enhancement in sleep quality.

Reminder: It is recommended to perform the initial operation under the guidance of a professional physician, and once proficient, it can be used for daily home health care.