Meet O, a very happy baby who benefits regularly from Chinese Medicine dietary advice and also happens to be one of my past doula-births. Just as Chinese Medicine benefits fertility treatments and pregnancy health, it can offer safe and natural relief for common childhood complaints. Acupuncture has a long history of pediatric medicine, and is a powerful adjunct therapy for patients who are trying to avoid taking additional medications or who are already receiving maximum medical treatment. Additionally, acupuncture works as preventative medicine and can help strengthen the developing immune system at any age.
The majority of healthy infants and children require nothing more than a loving mother and family to attend to their needs. However, even the most cared for children can develop uncomfortable symptoms. Some conditions may be helped by environmental or dietary advice, also an important part of childhood development. Acupuncture, massage and pediatric herbal formulas can help alleviate a variety of common complaints – offering less suffering for the child and peace of mind for the parent. Best of all, these therapies are completely natural, safe and have no side effects.
Pediatric Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Pediatric acupuncture may or may not involve the use of needles. Massage and pressure techniques are effectively used in place of needles depending on the nature of the condition and the child. Moreover, these techniques are easily learned by parents and family members so that ongoing therapy can often be done at home. When prescribed by a licensed practitioner, herbal medicine can offer an extraordinary amount of relief and benefit for both acute symptoms and chronic conditions. Pediatric formulas are easy to take, involve minimal preparation, and can often be flavored or ‘hidden’ in foods to produce a more palatable taste. Herbs and acupuncture are the perfect way to safely, and naturally, maintain and strengthen your child’s developing body, mind & spirit.
Through Infancy, the Toddler Years and Adolescence, Chinese Medicine can offer helpful relief adjunct to western medical treatment or alternative to it. Some of the conditions successfully addressed with acupuncture and herbs include:
- Colic
- Cradle Cap
- Skin Irritations/Rashes
- Cough
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Chronic Ear Ache
- Developmental Delays
- Digestive Upset: Chronic Diarrhea, Constipation, Acid Reflux
- Chronic Colds or Runny Nose
- Poor Appetite
- Eczema
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Low Immune Function
- ADD/ADHD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Acne
- Poor Concentration
- Teenage Menstruation Concerns
For the complete article this blog post was excerpted from: click here.
This blog is a proud participant in the Prevention Not Prescriptions Blog @ The Kathleen Show. For more information on Erin’s pediatric acupuncture and herbal services, or to receive a copy of the full article by email, please contact her.