Library

If a child initially develops fever due to obstruction by wind-cold pathogens, and suitable exterior-releasing medicines are unavailable at the moment, Tuina (massage therapy) must be employed to relax the muscle layer and superficial tissues, allowing the pathogenic toxins to discharge naturally. Alternatively, if the child has a naturally timid constitution and is constrained by wind-cold, although sweating is necessary, there is concern regarding deficiency of the defensive qi (Wei Qi); using medicinal herbs to induce sweating might damage the primordial qi (Yuan Qi), so Tuina should also be used. Furthermore, if the child has already taken exterior-releasing medicine but still exhibits no slight perspiration, with cold pathogens remaining sealed inside and symptoms persisting, one may hesitate to administer further dispersing agents for fear of excessive sweating damaging the primordial spirit (Shen); in such cases, Tuina is also required. Generally, dispersing medicines tend to consume vital energy, whereas Tuina merely serves to relax muscles, open pores, and mobilize the sinews and bones. When pores open, qi flows freely; when sinews move, blood circulates; once qi and blood flow smoothly, pathogens exit naturally. Do not claim that Tuina is ineffective. I frequently use this method, and its efficacy is rapid; therefore, I record it here. Take a bowl of warm water. First, dip the thumb in the water, cleanse and rub the two nostrils of the child while pushing upwards twenty-four times; this is called "Washing the Well and Stove" (Xi Jing Zao). Next, use two fingers to rub apart the area at Yintang (EX-HN3) twenty-four times; this is called "Opening the Heavenly Gate" (Kai Tian Men). Then, rub downwards on the index fingers of both hands thirty-six times to drain fire from the Three Passes (San Guan). Rub downwards on the middle finger thirty-six times to drain pathogens from the Heart Meridian and the Liver. Flick the little finger back and forth; this is called "Black Dragon Wagging Its Tail" (Wu Long Bai Wei). Then, rub downwards at the pulse gate (Radial artery area at the wrist) thirty-six times, and rub upwards twelve times. Subsequently, rub clockwise in a circular motion on the palm one hundred and twenty times. Finally, pinch firmly at each depression among the acupoints at the web between the thumb and index finger (Hegu LI4) and at all joint connections of the hands and feet, pinch once at the Dantian below the navel, and pinch once at each interspace between the vertebrae of the spinal column and below the two scapulae on the back. Allow the child to cry as needed, until sweat appears and muscles relax, causing the chickenpox/smallpox toxins to discharge accordingly. However, after Tuina, the child should sleep to facilitate sweating and must avoid exposure to wind, as the interstices (Cou Li) are now open, risking re-entry of wind pathogens. Alternatively, apply the Qian Ding Fang: crush peach tree bark with ginger and green onion, stir-fry until warm, and apply to the navel for the duration of one incense stick; this also aims to release the exterior.