Which areas should be massaged to quickly reduce fever in children?
Fever refers to an elevated body temperature. When a child has a fever, acupressure points commonly used for cooling include clearing the Heavenly River Water (Qing Tian He Shui), pushing the Kan Palace (Tui Kan Gong), kneading the Taiyang point, clearing the Lung Meridian (Qing Fei Jing), and pushing the Three Passes (Tui San Guan). Proper operation can help relieve fever symptoms. The detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Clearing the Heavenly River Water (Qing Tian He Shui): This point is located in the middle of the inner side of the forearm, from the wrist crease to the elbow crease. Use the pads of the index and middle fingers to push upward along the straight line, repeating the motion 100-300 times each session. The pressure should be gentle and even, which helps clear heat, relieve superficial symptoms, and dissipate wind-heat.
2. Pushing the Kan Palace (Tui Kan Gong): This point lies on the horizontal line from the medial end to the lateral end of the eyebrow. Use the pad of the thumb to push outward from the medial end to the lateral end of the eyebrow, repeating 50-100 times each session. The movement should be light and quick, which helps relieve wind-heat, alleviate headache, irritability, and other discomforts accompanying fever.
3. Kneading the Taiyang Point: This point is located approximately one finger's width backward from the point between the lateral end of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye. Use the pad of the thumb or index finger to knead the area 30-50 times each session with moderate pressure. This technique helps dispel wind-heat, calm the mind, and reduce discomfort during fever.
4. Clearing the Lung Meridian (Qing Fei Jing): This point is located on the palm side of the ring finger, from the fingertip to the base of the finger. Use the pad of the thumb to push directly from the base toward the fingertip 100-200 times each session. It helps ventilate the lungs, clear heat, and relieve wind-related symptoms, suitable for fever accompanied by coughing and a runny nose.
5. Pushing the Three Passes (Tui San Guan): This point is located on the outer side of the forearm, from the wrist crease to the elbow crease. Use the pad of the thumb or index and middle fingers to push upward 100-300 times each session. It is suitable for fever caused by wind-cold, helping to warm yang, dispel cold, and induce perspiration to relieve superficial symptoms.
Acupressure is only an auxiliary method for reducing fever. If a child's body temperature exceeds 38.5°C or the fever persists, timely medical attention is necessary. During acupressure, ensure the environment is warm to prevent the child from getting chilled. The pressure should be gentle. If the child cries or resists, stop immediately and do not force the procedure.