Tonsillitis in children is a common pediatric disease, often caused by external wind pathogens accumulating in the tonsils and causing inflammation. It can also be caused by the upward surge of internal heat. Let's take a look at the massage points for tonsillitis in children.
Diagnosis of Tonsillitis in Children
1. The main symptoms are sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Acute tonsillitis is accompanied by fever, while chronic tonsillitis may or may not have a low-grade fever.
2. Acute tonsillitis has a sudden onset and a short course. If it repeatedly occurs, it may develop into chronic tonsillitis with a longer course.
3. Other symptoms may include bad breath, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, and weakness.
Common Massage Points for Tonsillitis in Children
Rubbing Hegu (合谷)
Location: Hegu is located between the first and second metacarpal bones on the back of the hand, on the radial side of the second metacarpal bone.
Massage Technique: Use the thumb to rub Hegu acupoint until the local area becomes slightly red.
Rubbing Neiguan (内关)
Location: Neiguan is located on the palmar side of the forearm, on the line connecting Quze and Daling, 2 inches above the transverse crease of the wrist.
Massage Technique: Use the thumb to apply pressure to Neiguan acupoint.
Clearing the Lung Meridian (清肺经)
Location: The lung meridian is located on the palm side of the ring finger, forming a straight line from the fingertip to the root of the finger.
Massage Technique: Use the thumb to push from the fingertip to the root of the ring finger, repeat the operation.
Clearing the Heart Meridian (清心经)
Location: The heart meridian is located on the palmar side of the middle finger's distal phalanx.
Massage Technique: Use the thumb to massage the heart meridian.
Rubbing Fengfu (揉风府)
Location: Fengfu is located 1 inch directly above the midpoint of the posterior hairline.
Massage Technique: Use the thumb to apply slight pressure and rub Fengfu acupoint.
Pressing Lung Yu (点按肺俞)
Location: Lung Yu is located on the back, 1.5 inches beside the lower border of the third thoracic vertebrae spinous process.
Massage Technique: Use both thumbs to apply pressure to Lung Yu acupoint.
Analysis of Massage Points for Tonsillitis in Children
Hegu can calm pain and promote blood circulation; Neiguan can calm the mind, soothe the spirit, regulate qi, and relieve pain; the lung meridian can nourish the lungs, regulate qi, and clear heat and thirst; the heart meridian can nourish the heart, soothe the spirit, and clear heat and restlessness; Fengfu can disperse heat, eliminate dampness, and open the orifices; Lung Yu can regulate wind, relieve the surface, and nourish the lungs. By massaging these six acupoints for a long time, it can help alleviate tonsillitis in children.
Massage Treatment for Different Types of Tonsillitis in Children
Acute Tonsillitis
Etiology: It is usually caused by gastric heat and lung heat, as well as external wind-heat and upward surge of fire, leading to tonsillitis.
Main Symptoms: Swollen and painful tonsils, accompanied by headache, fever, and overall body heat. There may be phlegm in the throat, constipation, and dark red urine.
Massage Points:
Main Points: Rub Xiaotianxin for 3 minutes, rub Yiwo Feng for 3 minutes; push and nourish the kidney meridian for 5 minutes, push and clear Banmen for 5 minutes, rub Hegu for 1 minute.
Main Points' Functions: Rubbing Xiaotianxin and Yiwo Feng can disperse wind and relieve the surface, promote sweating, and alleviate fever; pushing and nourishing the kidney meridian can nourish yin and clear heat, and lower body temperature; pushing and clearing Banmen, rubbing Hegu can effectively alleviate pain and provide comfort to the throat.
Additional Points: Push and clear the lung meridian for 5 minutes, push and clear the six fu organs for 3 minutes; reverse the flow of the internal Bagua for 2 minutes, push and cross the four horizontal lines for 4 minutes; push and clear Tianhe water for 1 minute, and pinch and squeeze Yamen acupoint (can also be done with needle stimulation).
Additional Points' Functions: Pushing and clearing the lung meridian, and pushing and clearing the six fu organs can relieve tonsil swelling and alleviate constipation and promote bowel movements; reversing the flow of the internal Bagua and pushing and crossing the four horizontal lines can harmonize stomach qi, promote digestion, and increase appetite; pushing and clearing Tianhe water, and pinching and squeezing Yamen can clear heat, promote diuresis, and relieve pain.
Chronic Tonsillitis
Etiology: Children with chronic tonsillitis often have poor physical condition and insufficient kidney qi, leading to upward surge of virtual fire. Acute tonsillitis that repeatedly occurs or fails to be cured can also lead to this condition.
Main Symptoms: Enlarged tonsils, dark red or purplish color, mild cough, normal body temperature, occasional restless sleep at night, and possibly constipation and yellow urine.
Massage Points:
Main Points: Rub Xiaotianxin for 5 minutes; push and nourish the kidney meridian for 15 minutes; push and clear Banmen for 5 minutes, rub Hegu for 5 minutes.
Main Points' Functions: Rubbing Xiaotianxin can promote blood circulation; pushing and nourishing the kidney meridian can effectively control the upward surge of virtual fire; pushing and clearing Banmen, rubbing Hegu can clear heat, relieve pain, and alleviate throat swelling.
Additional Points: Push and clear the lung meridian for 5 minutes, push and clear the six fu organs for 3 minutes; reverse the flow of the internal Bagua for 2 minutes, push and cross the four horizontal lines for 4 minutes; push and clear Tianhe water for 1 minute, and pinch and squeeze Yamen acupoint.
Additional Points' Functions: Pushing and clearing the lung meridian, and pushing and clearing the six fu organs can clear heat, relieve tonsil swelling, and promote bowel movements; reversing the flow of the internal Bagua, and pushing and crossing the four horizontal lines can harmonize stomach qi, promote digestion, and increase appetite; pushing and clearing Tianhe water, and pinching and squeezing Yamen acupoint can clear heat, promote diuresis, and relieve pain.
Daily Care Tips for Tonsillitis in Children
1. After the onset of acute tonsillitis, the child should rest adequately, drink plenty of water, and administer antipyretic drugs if the body temperature exceeds 38°C. If complications occur, comprehensive and systematic treatment should be carried out to prevent it from developing into chronic tonsillitis. Children with chronic tonsillitis often have poor physical condition and recurrent symptoms, so they should pay attention to physical exercise and strengthen their constitution to reduce the frequency of disease occurrence.
2. Pay attention to adding or removing clothing for children according to changes in the weather, and try to avoid contact with people who have upper respiratory tract infections.
3. Pay attention to oral hygiene and teach children to develop the habit of brushing their teeth and rinsing their mouth.
4. The child's diet should be light and avoid greasy and spicy foods to prevent aggravation of pathogenic heat.
