Pressing on the philtrum is a traditional first aid method with a long history and widely known, but its specific application and operational details may be somewhat unfamiliar to modern people. The philtrum point is located in the upper middle part of the nasolabial groove, at the junction of the upper third and the lower two-thirds below the nose. It is an important acupuncture point in acupuncture.
When facing conditions such as infantile convulsions, heatstroke, coma caused by apoplexy, or various types of shock, pressing on the philtrum has become one of the emergency rescue measures. This method is particularly effective in cases of consciousness loss due to apoplexy, hypotension, infantile convulsions, maternal coma, and other conditions, and its effectiveness has gradually gained recognition and support from the medical community.
During the application of pressing on the philtrum, it is crucial to choose the right person to perform the operation. Men are usually recommended because they generally have short nails and stronger hands. The correct technique involves using the fingertip of the thumb to exert pressure on the philtrum point. The specific steps are as follows: place the thumb on the philtrum point, while the other four fingers support under the chin to apply pressure more effectively. Then, with the fingertip of the thumb as the center, push upwards and perform continuous slight stimulating movements, maintaining a frequency of about 20 to 40 times per minute. The stimulation should continue until the patient wakes up, or as an initial attempt, if there is no response, consider other rescue measures.
It is worth noting that pressing on the philtrum is not simply pressing with the nails, but requires using the solid strength of the thumb to massage the point to awaken the person. Therefore, avoid using overly long nails to prevent injury, which is also one reason why it is not usually recommended for women to perform this operation. Additionally, if pressing on the philtrum is ineffective, family members with knowledge of acupuncture can consider using acupuncture needles to stimulate the philtrum point as a further rescue attempt.
In conclusion, pressing on the philtrum is a simple and quick first aid method, but in practical application, ensure the technique is correct and consider timely professional medical intervention.
