When your child has a fever - something a mother can do

My youngest has a fever - day 2.  There are a variety of ways to help sooth a feverish child.  You may choose a fever reducing medication like Ibuprofen or choose a homeopathic treatment or an herbal blend.   Whichever way you go be sure to give plenty of fluids like water, broth, diluted juice and weak herbal tea.  And here's something you may not be aware of that is very comforting as well as helpful.  I am not a trained acupressure provider but I have learned about a few key pressure points and I love giving this gentle, loving treatment to my kids, who, in turn, love receiving it.   It's especially nice because, as a mother, you are desperate to do something and giving comfort with our hands feels so right.  Be sure your child is relaxed and warm before you begin.

From Smart Medicine For A Healthier Child  compiled by Janet Zand LAc, OMD,  Rachel Walton, RN and Bob Rountree, MD:

"Four Gates is a traditional Chinese point combination that has been used by acupuncturists for centuries.  Working these points with acupressure will enhance relaxation and help relieve pain, nervousness, anxiety and sleeplessness.  Traditional Chinese doctors believe that working these points "opens the gates" of energy flow in the body.  For this technique only, work first one side of the body and then the other.  Apply pressure simultaneously to Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4"

You can find a diagram here-
http://www.healthy.net/scr/Article.asp?Id=241&xcntr=2

You can apply pressure for 1 to 3 minutes. Alternatively, apply pressure for 10 seconds then release for 10 seconds, apply pressure again and so on for 1- 3 minutes.