Which acupressure points can be massaged to relieve coughing in children?

Cough in children is a symptom of certain diseases—most commonly respiratory infections, but it may also occur in non-respiratory infections and systemic illnesses. However, coughing is also a protective reflex of the body and is a frequent occurrence in young children. In such cases, parents should not immediately administer medication; instead, they may first try massage therapy. Massaging the *Shanzhong* (CV17) acupoint during coughing can help alleviate cough symptoms.

This acupoint lies at the center of the chest, at the intersection of the line connecting the two nipples and the midline of the sternum. For massage, parents should use their thumb to gently push and knead the *Shanzhong* point upward for approximately two minutes, continuing until the child feels a mild sensation of distension or numbness. Additionally, massaging the *Fenglong* (ST40) acupoint may be beneficial: it is located 8 cun above the lateral malleolus, on the lateral aspect of the anterior border of the tibia, between the tibia and fibula. One set of massage consists of about 50 repetitions and helps resolve phlegm and suppress coughing.

For children with allergic conditions, special attention is required in daily life. Massage alone is ineffective in managing allergy-related coughs; the priority is avoiding known allergens. Should an allergic reaction occur, prompt medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital are essential to relieve the child’s discomfort and prevent disease progression.