publisherEmily Xu
time2018/06/01
Chinese medicine has
been shown to offer substantial clinical benefits to patients who have been
unresponsive to other forms of treatment. The treatment of these diseases using
TCM have less side effects and unlike modern medicine, are curative not
palliative, as they aim to eliminate the pathology of the disease instead of
controlling or suppressing the symptoms. In most chronic diseases, Western
medicine at best can only temporarily alleviate the symptoms of these diseases
using various medications. This is because Western medicine takes a more
reactive approach to medicine, in that the symptoms are treated. In addition to
the lack of effectiveness of Western treatments, there are also possible side
effects of repeated or long-term use of the medications. In TCM a proactive
approach is taken, in that the whole body and how it functions is taken into
account.
In Traditional Chinese
Medicine, there are four primary methods of treating children: Dietary Therapy,
Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chinese Pediatric Massage and Acupuncture.
Chinese
Herbal Medicine is one of the most sophisticated herbal medicine systems in the
world. It is very important, especially in the treatment of children that herbs
are prescribed only by a licensed professional. Side effects of properly
prescribed herbs are uncommon, and if they do occur are quite mild.
Chinese
herbs are prescribed in individualized formulas which are custom written to
suit the needs of each child. These formulas typically consist of anywhere
between four and fifteen herbs. Many herbs have anti-bacterial or anti-viral
properties while others work to promote the body's innate ability to heal and
recuperate. Herbal formulas can be very effective in the treatment of acute
illness as well as in preventing illness when there is a history of chronic
infections and antibiotic use.
There are a number of ways that Chinese herbal medicine can be dispensed for children under the age of eight. There are pills, powders, and teas. Any liquid form of Chinese medicine may be effectively administered with an eye dropper.
There are a number of
ways that Chinese herbal medicine can be dispensed for children under the age
of eight. There are pills, powders, and teas. Any liquid form of Chinese
medicine may be effectively administered with an eye dropper
Digestion
plays such a pivotal role in the health and well-being of infants and young
children. Their diet is extremely important in preventing and treating the most
commonly encountered children's diseases. The same diet that the average parent
in Western society has been led to believe to be healthy for infants and
children can be problematic according to TCM. Most pediatric diseases can be
either completely eliminated or markedly improved if a child's diet is
modified.
No child
can eat whatever they wish and still remain entirely healthy. The majority of
food a child eats should be cooked because cooked foods are easier for them to
digest due to their immature digestion. Children should be fed whole foods with
a high percentage of vegetables, fruits, grains and complex carbohydrates and
smaller amounts of meats, eggs and dairy products.
Pediatric
massage, or Tui Na, can be highly effective for treating commonly encountered
pediatric diseases such as cough, constipation, chronic abdominal pain, dermatitis
and asthma. It is gentle, safe and without side effects. Chinese pediatric
massage is specifically designed to prevent and treat pediatric disorders and
uses specialized techniques and pressure points that are particularly
beneficial for children. Chinese pediatric massage is useful for treating
children up to 8 years of age. However, the younger the child is, the more
effective pediatric massage can be.
There are
certain combinations of specific massage techniques for the purpose of
rebalancing particular patterns of disharmony within the child. Usually, a
Chinese pediatric massage treatment will last 20-30 minutes and most techniques
are performed while the child is clothed. The frequency of massage depends on
whether the condition is chronic or acute. Pediatric Tui-na is soothing and
relaxing for the child and does not cause pain or discomfort.
In general,
acupuncture is not often used in the treatment of children especially under six
years of age. In TCM, the primary modalities used in pediatrics by the Chinese
doctor are herbal medicine and massage. However, pediatric acupuncture, called
Shoni-shin, is a type of acupuncture specifically designed for the treatment of
children, which does not penetrate the skin.
This
treatment works wonders for common respiratory and digestive ailments. It can
enhance circulation and relaxation, thereby improving health in general.
Shoni-shin is a form of bodywork that makes use of small metal tools designed
to bring qi to the surface, help it move by "spreading" it along the
channels, and stimulate specific acupuncture points. There are about a
half-dozen different tools in a shoni-shin kit, none of which penetrate the
skin. A shoni-shin treatment can be performed in 10 to 20 minutes depending on
the age of the child and the severity of the illness.
In TCM,
other modalities that are occasionally used with children include herbal
washes, creams, ointments, eye, ear and nose drops, and inhalants.
Regardless
of the form of treatment that is chosen, it is important to remember that
children's health can change at a faster rate than adults. Children tend to
outgrow many common pediatric diseases as they mature and develop and the qi of
their lung, spleen, and liver becomes stronger.
Because TCM
is a holistic medicine, healing focuses on balancing the qi of the internal
organs by taking into account both physical and emotional symptoms. Children
are generally more susceptible to getting sick, but they are also quicker to
heal. For most common pediatric complaints, complete healing can be attained
through herbal medicine, dietary changes, and the use of simple massage
techniques. The goal of all pediatric treatment is to restore balance and
harmony to a child.
Unlike
modern medicine, TCM pediatricians believe early treatment is important in all
situations. Early treatment reduces the length of treatment needed and prevents
any further complications. Other recommendations to prevent illness in TCM
include making sure children receive adequate rest, exercise and fresh air.
Ultimately, no child can flourish and be truly healthy in body and mind without
a great amount of love and support.
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