Fever is a common symptom of elevated body temperature in children. It is often caused by weak constitution, inadequate resistance to pathogens, and inability to regulate cold and heat, resulting in invasion of cold and external pathogens. It can also be caused by weakness, congenital deficiency, or postnatal nutritional imbalance, as well as prolonged illness and intense struggle between righteous and evil qi. Let's take a look at the massage techniques to reduce fever in children.
Common massage points for reducing fever in children
Patting Quchi
Location: Located on the outer side of the elbow crease, when the elbow is flexed, it is the midpoint of a line connecting the cubital crease and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
Massage technique: Rub the palms together to generate heat, form a hollow shape with the palms, and pat Quchi rhythmically 30-50 times.
Rubbing Tianhe Water
Location: Located in the middle of the forearm, from the wrist to the elbow, in a straight line.
Massage technique: Close the index and middle fingers together, use the fingertips to rub Tianhe Water from bottom to top 30-50 times, until the skin becomes red and warm.
Retreat Six Fu
Location: Located on the ulnar side of the forearm, from Yinchi to the elbow, in a straight line.
Massage technique: Close the index and middle fingers together, use the fingertips to push from the elbow to the wrist, called Retreat Six Fu or Push Six Fu, push 30-50 times, gradually increasing and then decreasing the pressure.
Pressing and Kneading Fengchi
Location: Located in the neck region, below the occipital bone, level with Fengfu, in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper end of the trapezius muscle.
Massage technique: Use the thumb pad to press and knead Fengchi for 1-2 minutes, gradually increasing the pressure.
Differentiation and massage for fever in children
External Pathogenic Fever
Treatment principles: Clear heat, expel exterior pathogens.
Treatment method: Open Tianmen (Push and Gather Bamboo), push Kangong, knead Taiyang, clear Lung meridian, clear Tianhe Water. For wind-cold type, add pushing San Guan, pressing and kneading Er Shan Men, pressing and kneading Fengchi. For wind-heat type, add pushing the spine.
Modifications: If there is cough with phlegm and wheezing, add pressing and kneading Shanzhong, kneading Feishu, kneading Fenglong, and stimulating the inner Bagua points. If there is abdominal distension, loss of appetite, acid regurgitation and vomiting, add kneading Zhongwan, pushing and kneading Banmen, differentiating between the upper and lower abdomen, and pushing Tianzhu bone. If there is restlessness, uneasiness, and difficulty sleeping, add clearing Liver meridian, pressing and kneading Xiaotianxin, pressing and kneading the joints of the fingers.
Yin Deficiency and Internal Heat Fever
Treatment principles: Nourish Yin, clear heat.
Treatment method: Tonify Spleen meridian, tonify Lung meridian, knead Shangma, clear Tianhe Water, push Yongquan, press and knead Zusanli, stimulate the inner Laogong.
Modifications: If there is restlessness and difficulty sleeping, add clearing Liver meridian, clearing Heart meridian, pressing and kneading Baihui. If there is spontaneous sweating or night sweats, add kneading Shending, tonifying Kidney meridian.
Lung and Stomach Heat Fever
Treatment principles: Clear and purge internal heat, regulate Qi and resolve food stagnation.
Treatment method: Clear Lung meridian, clear Stomach meridian, clear Large Intestine meridian, knead Banmen, stimulate the inner Bagua points, clear Tianhe Water, retreat Six Fu, knead Tianshu.
Analysis of massage techniques for fever in children
By massaging the above acupoints, heat-clearing, dispersing, and soothing effects can be achieved. Massaging once in the morning and once in the evening can help alleviate fever, headache, and other discomforts.
Nursing do's and don'ts for children with fever
1. Strengthen care, be cautious about clothing and diet, adapt to changes in temperature, avoid wind and pathogens, and prevent external infections.
2. Maintain a balanced diet to avoid damaging the spleen and stomach.
3. Pay attention to nutrition after illness to prevent deficiency of Qi, blood, and body fluids.
4. If the fever is high and does not subside, massage 2-3 times a day and combine with comprehensive treatment methods from both Chinese and western medicine.
