Sunstroke and heatstroke: Quick first aid Using acupressure points.
FAMILY
Halina Nguyễn
6/14/20263 min read
Contents
Signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Acupressure points for quick first aid in heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Indispensable combined first aid steps
How to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Summer brings intense heatwaves, which is also when the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke increases. If not treated promptly, this condition can cause severe damage to the brain and internal organs, even threatening life.
Besides common physical cooling methods, Traditional Medicine has acupressure methods to help patients quickly regain consciousness and cool down. Below is a guide to quick first aid for heat exhaustion and heatstroke using acupressure points that you need to know.
1. Signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Before administering first aid, you need to quickly recognize the signs of a person suffering from heat exhaustion or heatstroke:
Mild stage: Heavy sweating, pale skin, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps.
Severe stage (Heatstroke): No sweating; red, hot, and dry skin; rapid heart rate, shortness of breath; confusion, seizures, or coma (fainting).
Important Note: Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Acupressure is an on-site supportive first aid measure to help the patient regain consciousness, but it absolutely does not replace professional medical emergency care.
2. Acupressure points for quick first aid in heat exhaustion and heatstroke
When finding someone suffering from heat exhaustion or fainting, you can apply pressure to the following acupoints to help them recover vitality and regain consciousness:
Renzhong point (Philtrum) - helps regain consciousness quickly
Location: Located at the junction of the upper 1/3 and lower 2/3 of the philtrum groove (the depression between the nose and upper lip).
How to press: Use your thumb to press firmly and decisively on the Renzhong point for about 1-2 minutes.
Effect: This is the most important "emergency" acupoint, effective in opening the orifices and awakening the mind, helping those in a coma or fainting from heatstroke to quickly wake up.
Hegu point - clears heat, relieves headaches
Location: Located in the depression between the thumb and index finger bones (on the back of the hand).
How to press: Use the thumb of the other hand to press firmly on the Hegu point until there is a numbing or sore sensation. Alternate on both hands.
Effect: Relieves headaches, dizziness, lowers body temperature, and soothes stress caused by high temperatures.
Dazhui point - cools the body
Location: Located in the depression just below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (the highest protruding vertebra when you bend your head down).
How to press: Use your index or middle finger to press gently for 1-2 minutes. Can be combined with applying a cool towel right at this position.
Effect: Relieves exterior symptoms, clears heat, helps reduce fever and the amount of heat stagnant in the body.
Baihui point - enhances brain blood circulation
Location: Located at the intersection of the line connecting the two ear apexes and the vertical midline of the head.
How to press: Gently press this point for about 1 minute.
Effect: Cures headaches, dizziness caused by heat exhaustion, helps calm the mind, and enhances blood and Qi circulation to the brain.
Shixuan points - emergency cooling
Location: Located at the highest tips of the 10 fingers.
How to press: Use your fingernails to press firmly into the patient's fingertips.
Effect: Helps clear heat and open the orifices; commonly used in emergencies of high fever with convulsions or fainting.
3. Indispensable combined first aid steps
Acupressure works best when combined simultaneously with the following physical first aid steps:
Move the patient: Immediately move the patient to a cool, shaded, and well-ventilated area.
Cool the body: Loosen clothing, remove belts, shoes, and socks. Use a towel soaked in cool water to apply to areas with large blood vessels such as the forehead, neck, armpits, and groin.
Rehydrate (if conscious): If the patient is awake and can swallow, give them small sips of cool water (preferably water with a little salt or Oresol electrolyte solution). Absolutely do not give them ice-cold water suddenly.
Call an ambulance: If the patient is confused, does not wake up after acupressure, or shows signs of seizures, immediately call for emergency medical assistance.
4. How to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Limit outdoor work or activities during peak sun hours (from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
Wear loose, light-colored, and sweat-absorbent clothing. Equip yourself with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective jackets when going out.
Drink enough water (2 - 2.5 liters/day), do not wait until you are thirsty to drink.
Avoid sudden temperature changes (for example: do not step directly from a cold air-conditioned room to the hot sun outside).
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are dangerous conditions but are entirely preventable and treatable if you have enough knowledge. Save these acupoint locations to save yourself and those around you in emergencies!