The Root of Children’s Health Problems
Most children’s health problems stem from their weak, immature digestive systems. Their already weak systems are thrown out of balance by overeating, poor diet, cold foods, excess sweets, worry, unexpressed emotions, overuse of antibiotics or overstimulation (television/computer).
These things all tax the Spleen, which is responsible for the transportation and transformation of food, into an essence that our bodies can use. When the Spleen’s function is impaired, it cannot properly separate the usable part of food (clear essence) from the turbid part to be excreted (turbid waste). The retained turbid waste is called Dampness, and it leads to bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal distension. When this Damp congeals, it becomes Phlegm, which rises to the heads causing allergies, nasal congestion, ear aches, asthma and cough.
All pediatric healing will focus at least in part on strengthening the child’s digestive system. The digestive system is the pivot upon which children depend on. As parents it is our responsibility to make sure we have control of our children’s diets. Feeding children a proper balanced diet which consists of mainly cooked vegetables, grains, and fruit, and a minimal amount of raw fruits, fish, chicken, and meat is the best for their health. In the end, one of the key ways to treat all childhood illnesses is to work on the child’s diet. If you can change a child’s diet you can affect their overall health for their entire life.
Treating Children with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Parents are usually weary to bring their child in for acupuncture because of its association with needles. Children usually do not have a problem with needles. Not all treatments require the use of needles. Typically, pediatric acupuncture treatments involve a number of needles that is equal to or less than the child’s age. (A 5 year-old will get 5 needles or less). Children’s Qi circulates more quickly than adults’ and children tend to get antsy, so needles are retained for a much shorter amount of time.
As a mother of two, Michelle has a special way with children to make them feel comfortable during treatments.
Herbal medicine is another important therapy for children, which has been used for centuries in the treatment of children. Herbs can be an effective alternative to antibiotics and medication, without the side effects. Herbal medicine is used for a short period of time when treating acute conditions and longer when treating chronic diseases. Michelle uses the Kan Herb Company line of pediatric tinctures (liquid in a dropper) for children.
Common childhood conditions treated with Oriental Medicine:
- Failure to thrive syndrome
- Weak constitution
- Colic, excessive night crying, temper tantrums
- Indigestion, GERD, constipation, and diarrhea
- Night terrors
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Allergies, asthma
- Cough and colds
- Eczema and hives
- Ear infections
- Bedwetting
