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How to massage the elderly
Old people tend to stay in bed because of illness. There will be many complications after a long time, which can be prevented by proper massage. However, massage needs to choose a suitable position, otherwise it will not only fail to achieve the effect of rehabilitation, but may aggravate the condition.

1. Massage back to prevent pneumonia

The old man takes a semi-recumbent position, with his waist resting on the pillow. His family stood behind him, holding his shoulder with one hand and rubbing the muscles on both sides of his back and spine with the palm of the other hand for 3-5 minutes. Then gently clench your fist (note that your palm is hollow), beat your back rhythmically from bottom to top and from outside to inside, and encourage the elderly to cough while buttoning. If the elderly can't sit up, they can also pat and massage sideways in the same way. In addition, keep indoor ventilation, generally 30 minutes each time, 2-3 times a day. Strengthening oral cleaning and practicing blowing balloons are all helpful to prevent pneumonia.

2. Massage the sacrum to prevent bedsores

Let the old man lie prone or on his side, exposing his back, first wipe his back with warm water, and then massage the sacrum and ilium with 50% alcohol or safflower oil. Strength should be gentle. If the local symptoms such as redness and swelling have appeared, you can massage in circles from the inside out with the fingertips of your thumb. Each massage lasts for 3-5 minutes and turns every 3-4 hours. In addition, keeping the bed flat, soft and clean, turning over frequently (once every 2 hours) and using balloons, cotton rings and water bags are all helpful to the prevention of bedsores.

Press the soles of feet to prevent urinary tract infection.

3. Regular massage of the soles of the feet helps to prevent urinary system infection. The urinary system has densely distributed reflex zones, such as kidney, ureter, bladder, urethra and lymph glands. And the sole also has a corresponding reflection area. The operator can use the joints of the index finger or other blunt objects (such as a pen cap, etc.). ), starting from each toe, press to the heel in turn, press five toes in a row as a group, and massage three groups every day. In addition, the elderly should drink as much water as possible (above 1500 ml per day), then clean the perineum, and give acupuncture and hot compress if necessary. Help prevent urinary tract infections.

Press the waist to prevent constipation

In addition to improving diet, regular massage below the belt (about one thumb wide outward under the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra) is helpful to prevent constipation. There are the posterior branches of the third, fourth and fifth lumbar nerves and the arteries and veins of the waist. Regular massage can promote intestinal peristalsis. Old people lie on their stomach or side, press with their thumbs and fingers, press and knead slightly 1-2 minutes (massage in circles when kneading), and massage 3-5 times a day.