Can rubbing a child's foot soles help reduce fever?
Dec 05, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Whether rubbing a child's foot soles can reduce fever depends on the specific condition of the patient. If the fever is due to simple overheating, it may help lower body temperature; however, if the fever is caused by a pathogen infection, this method will not effectively reduce the fever. Additionally, during the early stage of a child's fever, one can repeatedly rub the child's palms, tops of the feet, and fingertips with an adult's hand.
Fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Whether rubbing a child's foot soles can reduce fever depends on the specific condition of the patient. If the fever is mild and not caused by infection, this method may help lower the temperature. However, if the fever is due to a pathogen infection, rubbing the feet alone will not effectively reduce the fever.
Rubbing a child's foot soles may help cool the body. Typically, this involves rubbing the feet, lower legs, hands, arms, and back, as well as the child's ears, followed by massaging the Baihui acupoint (GV20). Repeating this process 30–50 times can induce sweating and effectively reduce fever. Rubbing the soles of the feet also promotes blood circulation and helps warm the child’s hands and feet. However, if the fever is caused by a cold, foot rubbing usually won't reduce the fever. In such cases, under a doctor's guidance, children may take medications like pediatric paracetamol, chlorpheniramine, and artificial cow-bezoar granules to treat common colds or influenza. Additionally, heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines such as Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid, Lanqin oral liquid, or Lingyangjiao granules may be used for treatment.
Moreover, during the early stages of a child's fever, repeatedly massaging the palms, dorsum of the feet, and tips of fingers and toes can promote metabolism, enhance the child's resistance to illness, and help reduce fever and eliminate disease.
