Chinese Pediatric Massage on Children With Acute Diarrhea: a Randomized Sham Massage Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Chinese pediatric massage as an add-on therapy while comparing with sham massage both on the basis of usual care for 0-6 years old children with acute diarrhea.

Chinese pediatric massage has been practised as an option for the treatment of pediatric diarrhea for hundreds of years (since Ming Dynasty). The history of Chinese pediatric massage for health promotion is much longer, it can be traced back to more than one thousand years ago (652 AD). Many of the acupoints adopted in Chinese pediatric massage are unique if it is compared with those for adult massage. The manipulation is found to be easily accepted by children, as the strength of massage is gentle and soft. No severe adverse reaction in regards of Chinese pediatric massage was reported, the mild adverse reaction such as skin abrasion can be completely avoided with correct operating instructions.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subject's symptoms meet the diagnosis criteria of acute diarrhea.
2. The occurrence of diarrhea is no more than 72 hours.
3. Stool frequency is equal or more than 5 times a day.
4. Subject has not been involved in any other clinical trials at the same period of time.
5. Subject's guardian may coordinate during the clinical trial.
6. Subject's guardian have signed the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. A history of experiencing Chinese pediatric massage on hands
2. Subject has cholera or malaria
3. Subject with the following conditions on the manipulating part: phlebitis，open wound，fracture，tissue damage
4. Subject has the follow complications: severe dehydration，metabolic acidosis，disorders of consciousness, seizures or twitching, shock, azotemia