Introduction
Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted through mosquitoes, making daily life difficult due to sudden high fever, chills, muscle pain, and fatigue. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies these symptoms as ‘intermittent fever’ and suggests methods to stimulate specific acupoints to help regulate body temperature and restore vitality. When acupressure therapy is combined under the guidance of a professional healthcare provider, it can further promote physical recovery.
5 Acupoints Effective for Malaria
1. Inner Gate — PC5 (Pericardium 5)
Location: Located on the inner side of the wrist, approximately 3 cun (about 7.5cm) in the direction of the elbow, between the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon.
Effects: Calms the mind and body and relieves anxiety caused by chills and high fever. Improves digestive function to aid nutrient absorption and is effective for strengthening immune function.
Acupressure Method: Stimulate with your thumb tip in a slow, vertical motion about 30 times. A slight tenderness is appropriate, and perform for 3 minutes each morning and evening.
2. Union Valley — LI4 (Large Intestine 4)
Location: Located in the deep part where the thumb and index finger meet (the highest point of the V-shape).
Effects: Strengthens immune function and enhances the body’s anti-infection abilities. Relieves high fever and headaches while reducing overall fatigue.
Acupressure Method: Repeat pressing and releasing with your opposite thumb in a circular motion. Stimulating each hand for 2-3 minutes, 5-6 times a day is effective.
3. Three Yin Intersection — SP6 (Spleen 6)
Location: Located on the inner surface of the tibia, about four finger widths (approximately 10cm) above the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus).
Effects: Activates spleen and liver function to improve blood circulation. Excellent for chronic fatigue recovery, immune enhancement, and metabolic activation.
Acupressure Method: Press deeply with your thumb and repeat stimulation about 30 times. You should feel slight tenderness and a refreshing sensation; perform 3 minutes twice daily (morning and evening).
4. Leg Three Miles — ST36 (Stomach 36)
Location: Located on the outer lower leg, approximately 10cm below the knee on the outer surface of the tibia.
Effects: Very effective for strengthening digestive function, promoting physical recovery, and enhancing immune function. It is the premier fortifying acupoint for restoring overall vitality and increasing recovery capacity.
Acupressure Method: Stimulate by pushing upward with your thumbs. Performing 3 minutes per leg, twice daily (morning and evening) speeds up fatigue recovery.
5. Great Hammer — GV14 (Governing Vessel 14)
Location: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1), just below the most prominent neck bone (7th cervical vertebra) when the neck is flexed forward.
Effects: An acupoint that reduces overall body heat and relieves chills. It stimulates the immune system to aid recovery from infectious diseases and normalizes body temperature regulation.
Acupressure Method: Since it’s difficult to self-stimulate, seek help from another person and repeat vertical pressing 30 times using your finger joint or acupressure stick. Effectiveness requires feeling a slight warming sensation spreading through the area.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Morning 5-Minute Routine: Consists of Union Valley 1 minute → Inner Gate 1 minute → Leg Three Miles (both sides) 2 minutes → Three Yin Intersection (both sides) 1 minute. Lightly stimulating these points before getting out of bed helps you start the day with energy.
Evening 5-Minute Routine: Proceed in this order: Three Yin Intersection (both sides) 1 minute → Leg Three Miles (both sides) 2 minutes → Inner Gate 1 minute → Union Valley 1 minute. Slowly stimulating these points 30 minutes before bed promotes restful sleep and accelerates physical recovery.
In Case of Emergency: When high fever is severe, prioritize stimulating Great Hammer and Union Valley to relieve fever.
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