Which areas should be massaged to reduce fever in children?

Sep 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Fever, also known as pyrexia, can be accompanied by massage therapy to assist in reducing body temperature in children. However, the appropriateness of massage should be considered based on individual circumstances. Commonly used acupoints for fever reduction include clearing the heavenly river water (Qing Tian He Shui), pushing the Kan Palace (Tui Kan Gong), rubbing the Taiyang point, clearing the lung meridian (Qing Fei Jing), and pressing and rubbing the Hegu point. Proper techniques may help alleviate symptoms of fever. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance.

Fever, also known as pyrexia, can be managed with massage therapy as an adjunct to lower body temperature in children, though its suitability depends on individual circumstances. Commonly used acupoints for massage include Clearing the Heavenly River (Qing Tian He Shui), Pushing the Kan Palace (Tui Kan Gong), Rubbing the Temples (Rou Tai Yang), Clearing the Lung Channel (Qing Fei Jing), and Pressing and Rubbing the Union Valley point (He Gu). Proper application of these techniques may help alleviate fever symptoms. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Clearing the Heavenly River (Qing Tian He Shui): This acupoint is located along the midline of the inner forearm, from the wrist crease to the elbow crease. Using the pads of the index and middle fingers together, stroke straight from the wrist crease toward the elbow crease 100-300 times per session. Apply gentle and even pressure to achieve effects of clearing heat, relieving exterior syndromes, and dispersing wind-heat.

2. Pushing the Kan Palace (Tui Kan Gong): This area lies along a horizontal line from the medial end to the lateral end of the eyebrow. Using the thumbs of both hands, gently and smoothly push outward from the medial to the lateral end of each eyebrow 50-100 times per session. This technique helps relieve exterior syndromes, disperse wind-heat, and alleviate associated symptoms such as headache and irritability.

3. Rubbing the Temples (Rou Tai Yang): Located in the depression about one finger-width posterior to the lateral end of the eyebrow and outer canthus. Using the pad of the thumb or index finger, rub this area 30-50 times per session with moderate pressure. This method helps dispel wind-heat, calm the mind, relieve restlessness, and reduce discomfort associated with fever.

4. Clearing the Lung Channel (Qing Fei Jing): This acupoint runs along the palmar surface of the ring finger from fingertip to base. Using the thumb pad, stroke straight from the fingertip toward the finger base 100-200 times per session. This action helps ventilate the lungs, clear heat, and relieve exterior syndromes, particularly suitable for fever accompanied by coughing and a runny nose.

5. Pressing and Rubbing the Union Valley Point (He Gu): Located at the midpoint between the first and second metacarpal bones on the dorsum of the hand, closer to the second metacarpal. Using the thumb pad, rub and press this point 30-50 times on each side alternately. This technique helps relieve exterior syndromes, dispel wind, relieve pain, and assist in lowering body temperature.

Massage is only an adjunctive method for reducing fever and cannot replace medical treatment. If a child's temperature exceeds 38.5°C or the fever persists, prompt medical attention is necessary. The environment should be kept quiet and comfortable during massage, and the child's reactions should be closely observed. If the child becomes fussy or resists the massage, it should be stopped immediately; forceful manipulation should be avoided.

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What methods can quickly reduce fever in children?

In general, a child's fever may be caused by factors such as excessive environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, immune response after vaccination, upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, or bacterial pneumonia. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through physical cooling methods, medication, and other treatments under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, it is important to ensure the child's daily diet is light and easily digestible, avoiding oily and spicy foods.

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At what temperature will a child experience convulsions due to fever?

In general, there is no fixed temperature threshold at which a child will experience seizures during fever. Most often, seizures occur when body temperature rapidly rises above 38.5°C. However, some children may experience seizures even if their temperature does not reach 38.5°C. This primarily relates to individual physical condition and the speed at which body temperature rises. When a child has a fever, parents should closely monitor temperature changes and administer antipyretic medication promptly if the temperature exceeds 38.5°C.

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How to handle a child's fever of 38°C

In general, a child's fever of 38°C may be caused by factors such as high environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, increased body heat production after vigorous activity, acute upper respiratory tract infection, infantile emergency rash (roseola), acute gastroenteritis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment, medication, or other approaches under the guidance of a physician.

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What causes fever and convulsions in children?

In general, seizures caused by fever in children may be due to factors such as an immature nervous system, a sudden rise in body temperature stimulating the nerves, febrile convulsions, acute meningitis, or viral encephalitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Daily care should focus on keeping the child warm to avoid catching a chill that may lead to fever.