If a child has a fever, there are several ways to lower it, and cupping is one of them. So, where is the best place to cup a child with a fever?
Chart of Cupping Locations for a Child with a Fever
Da Zhui Acupoint
1. Location of Da Zhui Acupoint:
The Da Zhui acupoint is located in the spinal region, on the midline of the back, in the depression below the seventh cervical vertebrae spinous process. The patient should be in a prone or supine position when locating the acupoint.
2. How to Locate Da Zhui Acupoint:
When locating the acupoint, the patient should be in a seated position with their head bent down. The Da Zhui acupoint is located on the midline of the back, at the lower end of the neck, in the depression below the seventh cervical vertebrae spinous process, approximately level with the shoulders (or it can be located by pressing the highest point of the cervical vertebrae at the back of the neck with the head in a lowered position). If the bony prominence is not very obvious, have the patient move their neck, and the immobile joint is the first thoracic vertebrae, approximately level with the shoulders.
3. Functions of Da Zhui Acupoint:
It boosts qi and strengthens yang. The Da Zhui acupoint has the functions of releasing the exterior and activating yang, supplementing deficiencies, calming the spirit, clearing heat, releasing the exterior, stopping convulsions.
Da Zhu Acupoint
1. Location of Da Zhu Acupoint:
The Da Zhu acupoint is located in the spinal region, below the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebrae, 1.5 cun to the side of the midline.
2. How to Locate Da Zhu Acupoint:
In a seated or prone position, the Da Zhu acupoint is located on the back, below the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebrae, 1.5 cun to the side of the midline.
3. Functions of Da Zhu Acupoint:
It provides moistening and cooling energy to the head, clears heat and dryness, strengthens tendons and bones, clears pathogenic heat. The Da Zhu acupoint has the functions of dispersing wind and releasing the exterior, promoting the smooth flow of lung qi.
Feng Men Acupoint
1. Location of Feng Men Acupoint:
The Feng Men acupoint is located on the back, below the second thoracic vertebrae spinous process, 1.5 cun to the side of the midline.
2. How to Locate Feng Men Acupoint:
The patient is usually in a seated or prone position. The Feng Men acupoint is located on the back, in the center of the second depression from the top, facing the Da Zhui acupoint (between the second and third thoracic vertebrae), 1.5 cun below the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebrae (or approximately 2 centimeters to the left or right).
3. Functions of Feng Men Acupoint:
It promotes the circulation of qi and blood to the head. The Feng Men acupoint has the functions of dispersing wind and releasing the exterior, promoting the smooth flow of lung qi, expelling pathogenic wind and releasing the exterior, nourishing qi and consolidating the exterior.
Fei Yu Acupoint
1. Location of Fei Yu Acupoint:
The Fei Yu acupoint is located on the back, below the third thoracic vertebrae spinous process, 1.5 cun to the side of the midline. It is the back shu acupoint of the lung.
2. How to Locate Fei Yu Acupoint:
In a prone position, the Fei Yu acupoint is located below the third thoracic vertebrae spinous process, 1.5 cun to the side of the midline, alongside the Du Mai meridian.
3. Functions of Fei Yu Acupoint:
It disperses heat from the lungs. The Fei Yu acupoint has the functions of releasing the exterior and promoting lung function, clearing heat and regulating qi, regulating lung and nourishing, supplementing and clearing heat.
Wei Yu Acupoint
1. Location of Wei Yu Acupoint:
The Wei Yu acupoint is located on the back, below the twelfth thoracic vertebrae spinous process, 1.5 cun to the side of the midline. It is the back shu acupoint of the stomach.
2. How to Locate Wei Yu Acupoint:
In a prone position, the Wei Yu acupoint is located on the back, below the twelfth thoracic vertebrae spinous process, 1.5 cun to the side of the midline (approximately two fingers' width to the left and right).
3. Functions of Wei Yu Acupoint:
It regulates the stomach, strengthens the middle burner, eliminates dampness and accumulation, harmonizes the stomach and strengthens the spleen, regulates the middle burner and descends counterflow.
Qu Chi Acupoint
1. Location of Qu Chi Acupoint:
The Qu Chi acupoint is located on the outer side of the elbow crease, at the midpoint of the line connecting the cubital crease and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. It is located in the depression when the elbow is flexed.
2. How to Locate Qu Chi Acupoint:
Flex the elbow at a 90-degree angle and locate the depression on the outer side of the elbow crease.
3. Functions of Qu Chi Acupoint:
It transforms the heat of the spleen and dries dampness in the large intestine meridian, and provides the yang heat of the upper body.
Wai Guan Acupoint
1. Location of Wai Guan Acupoint:
The Wai Guan acupoint is located on the back of the forearm, on the line connecting Yang Chi and the tip of the elbow, 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the radius and ulna. It is an important acupoint on the San Jiao meridian of the upper limb.
2. How to Locate Wai Guan Acupoint:
Extend the arm and palm down, then locate the point 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the radius and ulna, opposite the Nei Guan acupoint.
3. Functions of Wai Guan Acupoint:
It connects qi and blood, strengthens yang and boosts qi. The Wai Guan acupoint has the functions of dispersing the exterior and clearing heat, promoting the circulation of meridians and collaterals, and clearing heat from the exterior.
Chi Ze Acupoint
1. Location of Chi Ze Acupoint:
The Chi Ze acupoint is located in the middle of the elbow crease, on the radial side of the biceps brachii tendon. It is one of the important acupoints on the Tai Yin lung meridian of the hand.
2. How to Locate Chi Ze Acupoint:
Extend the arm and slightly flex the elbow, then locate the acupoint in the depression on the radial side of the biceps brachii tendon at the elbow crease.
3. Functions of Chi Ze Acupoint:
It clears heat from the lungs, promotes the circulation of meridians and collaterals, regulates the intestines and stomach, and relieves pain.
Cupping Methods for a Child with a Fever
Fire Cupping Method
Use a flame or flash fire method to attach the cup to the Da Zhui, Fei Yu, Wai Guan, Qu Chi acupoints, or use a suction cupping method.
Needle Cupping Method
First, needle the Da Zhui, Feng Men, Fei Yu, and Chi Ze acupoints, leave the needles in place after qi arrives, and then use the fire cupping or suction cupping method.
Prick and Cup Method
First, disinfect the Da Zhui, Fei Yu, and Qu Chi acupoints, and then prick each acupoint 2-3 times with a three-edged needle before cupping using the flame method.
Walking Cupping Method
Walk the cup back and forth along the Da Zhu to Wei Yu on the back, using the Feng Yang bladder meridian, until the skin turns red as the indicator.
In addition to cupping, ginger slices can also be used to reduce fever
Fever Reduction Method
Take a small piece of fresh ginger (about 10 grams), mash it into a paste, apply it to the high bone area of the wrist, or directly slice it and apply it to the high bone area. Wrap it with medical gauze and secure it with adhesive tape. The fever should subside within about 40 minutes.
Life Care for a Child with a Fever
Maintain Dry Stool
Whether it's caused by cold or food stagnation, it is important to keep the child's stool regular. When a person has a fever, it depletes their body fluids, making the stool drier and more difficult to pass. Ensure that the stool is not obstructed, as a well-functioning excretory system promotes overall bodily functions and aids in recovery.
Hydration
Fever depletes body fluids, which are essential for the body's circulation. A well-hydrated body is more resilient. If body fluids are insufficient, there is a risk of severe dehydration. Therefore, it is important to replenish body fluids during a fever. Drinks such as diluted sugar and salt water, rice oil, and soup made from small noodles are all suitable. Regular water alone cannot be quickly converted into body fluids.
Ensure Warmth and Prevent Cold
Having adequate body fluids ensures warm and healthy hands and feet, as well as smooth circulation of qi and blood. If the hands and feet feel cold, it is important to keep them warm to prevent convulsions.
Pay Attention to Light Diet
During a fever, the body's qi and blood are focused on fighting the pathogen, leaving less energy for digestion. Therefore, it is best to consume light and warm foods that are easily absorbed. Avoid rushing to supplement nutrients and avoid spicy, stimulating, greasy, and cold foods.
