Colds are a common illness in children and can occur throughout the year. Childhood colds refer to acute respiratory infections in children, most commonly caused by the invasion of external pathogens and influenza viruses in the lungs. By massaging specific acupoints, it is possible to dispel wind and relieve symptoms of a cold. So, where should we massage for a child's cold?
Common acupoints for massaging a child's cold
1. Kai Tian Men: Located in the middle of the eyebrows, it extends up to the hairline. Massage by using alternating pressure with the thumbs from the middle of the child's eyebrows to the hairline.
2. Tui Kan Gong: Located between the middle of the eyebrows and the outer end of the eyebrows. Massage by using both thumbs to push from the middle of the eyebrows to the outer end, repeatedly.
3. Dian An Tai Yang: Located about one horizontal finger's depression between the outer end of the eyebrows and the outer corner of the eye. Massage by pressing and releasing the temple with the pad of the thumb.
4. An Ying Xiang: Located at the side of the nose, on the edge of the nasolabial groove. Massage by pressing and releasing the Ying Xiang acupoint with the fingertip of the thumb.
5. Qing Tian He Shui: Located in the middle of the forearm, from the wrist to the elbow, in a straight line. Massage by using the pads of the index and middle fingers to push and rub Qing Tian He Shui at a rate of 150 times per minute.
6. Rou Yi Wo Feng: Located in the depression in the middle of the back of the hand, in line with the transverse crease of the wrist. Massage by supporting the child's palm with both hands and using the pads of the thumbs to rub Rou Yi Wo Feng.
Explanation of acupoints for massaging a child's cold
Kai Tian Men helps to release exterior and induce sweating, improve vision, relieve pain, and wake up the mind. Tui Kan Gong disperses wind, releases exterior, clears heat, relieves pain, and improves vision. Tai Yang calms the mind, wakes up the brain, and eliminates wind and pain. Ying Xiang dispels wind and opens the nasal passages. Qing Tian He Shui clears heat and releases exterior, eliminates fire, and relieves restlessness. Rou Yi Wo Feng warms the middle, promotes qi circulation, disperses wind, and releases exterior. By massaging these six acupoints together over a long period of time, it can help to promote lung function, dissipate heat, release exterior pathogens, and relieve discomfort caused by a cold.
Massage methods for different types of cold in children
Cold due to Wind and Cold
Symptoms: Mild or no fever, aversion to cold, headache without sweating, stuffy nose with clear discharge, cough with little phlegm, pale red tongue, thin white coating, red fingerprints, and floating and tight pulse.
Treatment principle: Warm and dispersing exterior.
Massage prescription: Massage the Lung meridian 300 times, rub and push Lung Yu 200 times, massage Kai Tian Men 30 times, push Tui Kan Gong 50 times, rub Tai Yang 50 times, rub the area behind the ear 50 times, push San Guan 300 times, press Feng Chi 3-5 times, and pinch and rub Er Shan Men 5 times.
Cold due to Wind and Heat
Symptoms: High fever, mild aversion to cold, stuffy nose with thick yellow discharge, cough with yellow sticky phlegm, sore throat, dark yellow urine, constipation, red tongue with yellow coating, deep red fingerprints, and rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Clear heat from the lungs.
Massage prescription: Rub Xiao Tian Xin 100 times, rub Rou Yi Wo Feng 100 times, supplement the Kidney meridian 300 times, clear Qing Tian He Shui 100 times, clear the Lung meridian 100 times, rub Tai Yang 50 times, divide Yin and Yang 300 times, and retreat the Six Fu organs 100 times.
Precautions for massaging a child's cold
When massaging a child, it is important to use moderate pressure for all techniques. Additionally, other techniques can be added based on the child's symptoms. For example, if the child has a cough, you can add 100 pushes to the small transverse lines. If the child has a fever, you can increase the number of times Qing Tian He Shui is cleared by 100.
Daily preventive care for a child's cold
1. Pay attention to enhancing the child's physical fitness. Children should regularly engage in outdoor activities, breathe fresh air, get plenty of sunlight, and take regular baths to help them better adapt to changes in natural climate and effectively prevent diseases.
2. Strengthen care and be mindful of climate changes. Avoid exposing the child to cold or heat, and during cold and flu seasons, avoid taking the child to public places.
3. During a cold, the child should rest well, eat light and easily digestible food, keep the indoors well-ventilated, and maintain fresh air.
