Application of traditional Chinese medicine integrated therapy based on Tuina and herbal medicine in pediatric diarrhea

Table 1 Key techniques and herbal formulations in integrated traditional Chinese medicine therapy

Therapy modality	Specific technique/herbal formula type	Key components/target	Standard application	Primary proposed therapeutic mechanisms
Tuina	Rou Fa (kneading)	ST25, ST36, GV1	Gentle rhythmic pressure applied to specific points during sessions	Local stimulation modulating neural reflexes influencing gut motility/secretion; promoting local Qi/blood flow
Tuina	Mo Fu (abdominal rubbing)	Abdomen centered on CV8	Broad clockwise circular motions over abdomen	Regulating peristalsis, alleviating spasm/distension; warming the middle jiao; resolving abdominal Qi stagnation
Tuina	Nie Ji (spine pinching)	Skin along Du meridian (GV14-GV4 region)	Gentle sequential pinching and lifting	Regulating autonomic nervous system; strengthening overall Zheng Qi (spleen/Lung); influencing gut-brain axis
Tuina	Tui Shang Qijiegu	Qijiegu region (GV2-GV1)	Upward unidirectional pushing	Warming spleen/kidney Yang; lifting sinking Qi to consolidate intestines and stop diarrhea
Tuina	Bu Pi Jing (supp spleen meridian)	Radial side of thumb (spleen meridian)	Pushing towards thumb tip	Tonifying spleen Qi; resolving dampness; enhancing digestive and absorptive functions
Topical herbal (umbilical)	Spleen-fortifying and damp-resolving	Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu), Poria cocos (Fuling)	Paste applied to CV8 region daily	Transdermal absorption of compounds modulating intestinal fluid transport/ion channels; reducing inflammation; strengthening spleen function
Topical herbal (umbilical)	Spleen-transporting and stagnation-resolving	Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Taizishen), Atractylodes lancea (Cangzhu), Crataegus pinnatifida (Shanzha)	Paste applied to CV8 region daily	Enhancing digestive enzyme activity; promoting gastrointestinal motility; resolving food accumulation; regulating gut microbiota
Topical herbal (umbilical)	Warm compress (Re Yan Bao) for cold	Evodia rutaecarpa (Wuzhuyu), Raphanus sativus (Laifuzi)	Warmed paste applied to CV8 region daily	Dispelling cold pathogen; warming middle jiao; alleviating smooth muscle spasm/pain; promoting downward Qi movement