|
Oriental medicine is a non-invasive healing modality that facilitates the body?s natural ability to heal itself by restoring harmony and balance to the entire individual. The medicine originated in China more than 3,000 years ago and is one of the most common medical systems in the world, used by one quarter of he world?s population. Although it has been offered in the United States for more than 150 years, it wasn?t until 1972 that most Americans were exposed to it when New York Times columnist James Reston used acupuncture during a trip to China to provide pain relief from an emergency appendectomy.
In the last 30 years, the many side effects and shortcomings of modern Western medicine have gained more attention. In particular, the overuse of antibiotics in children has led to serious health problems, including the epidemic of pediatric ear infections, antibiotics? suspected role in the development of allergies, and the development of new strains of infectious bacteria which are resistant to antibiotic treatment. From the Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view, the incorrect use of antibiotics can lead to damage of the Spleen and result in susceptibility to disease such as earaches, tonsillitis, and various allergies. Through the use of Chinese Medicine in the care of children, many of the downfalls of Western medicine can be avoided. |
by Rebecca Wilkowski Chinese medicine provides great insight into many health problems not dealt with completely or satisfactorily by modern Western medicine?. The fact that this modality is gentle and free from side effects makes it an excellent choice for keeping young children healthy. In Chinese medicine, the health care of children traditionally has been considered one of the most consequential specialties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pediatrics, children are not just considered miniature adults. Rather, they are believed to be immature both physically and functionally, and most of the common pediatric complaints are due to this immaturity.1 Chinese medicine holds that because children?s bodies are immature, and therefore inherently weak, they are susceptible to diseases which affect the Lungs, the Spleen (digestion) and the Liver. This explains why children so often have upper respiratory tract complaints such as colds, coughs, allergies and asthma, as well as digestive disorders like colic, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and stomachache. In Chinese medicine, there are four main methods of treating children: diet, Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese pediatric massage, and acupuncture. Generally, on the child?s initial visit, the Chinese practitioner will try to determine whether the child is abnormally hot or cold, whether their qi is sufficient or deficient, and whether there is some substance which needs to be eliminated from the body. The practitioner will look at the child?s eyes, tongue, skin color and vein at the base of the index finger to tell whether the disease is hot or cold, an excess or deficiency, how far it has progressed, and how dangerous the condition is. The practitioner will also listen to the quality of the child?s breathing, voice and speech. Lastly, questions will be asked about this child?s history. Some questions are the same as a Western MD might ask while others are specific to Chinese medicine. A Healthy Diet When children are overfed, their Stomach and Spleen are inundated with more food than they can deal with efficiently, and may lead to digestive system discomfort such as colic. Feeding on a schedule and in smaller amounts can significantly decrease colic, earaches, coughs and colds in infants. Limiting sweets and dairy foods is also important to a child?s health. Sweets damage the Spleen, while dairy is too dampening. Children should be fed a diet high in complex carbohydrates and vegetables with small amounts of meat, eggs, and dairy. Chinese Herbal Medicine There are a number of ways that Chinese herbal medicine can be dispensed for children. There are pills, powders, tinctures and teas. In general, teas should not be mixed in orange or other fruit juices, although there are a few exceptions. A bit of honey or lemon may be added to help offset any bitter taste. Chinese herbal medicine is great for both preventative and remedial treatment in children. When children have a history of chronic and recurrent infections where diet modification alone has not worked, using Chinese herbal medicine is often a good choice. Chinese herbal medicine, when prescribed and dispensed by a licensed practitioner, is safe with few or no side effects. Pediatric Massage The benefits of Chinese pediatric massage are becoming more understood and integrated into Western medical practices. In San Diego, nurses from San Diego Children?s Hospital participate in a continuing education lecture series on Chinese pediatric massage sponsored by Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. There, Registered Nurses learn Chinese Pediatric Massage and basic concepts and theories of traditional Oriental medicine to incorporate into their caregiving practice. Pediatric Acupuncture To lessen any anxiety that may accompany a child?s first acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist may only needle points on the child?s back out of the child?s view. Others stimulate the needle for a moment or two after insertion and then immediately remove it. Many acupuncturists will try to use fewer insertions than they would for an adult with the same condition. Because children change more quickly than adults, the amount of herbal medicine and the length of acupuncture treatment need not be as extensive. Moxibustion, the burning of a dried herb on, over or near various acupuncture points of the body, is mainly used to warm up areas of the body which are too cold or to add qi to specific organs of the body. It is often used to treat Spleen and/or Kidney deficiency conditions. The area that is moxaed becomes slightly red and warm to the touch, but is not painful and does not cause a blister or burn.7 Children often find this procedure quite relaxing and calming. In 1993 the FDA estimated that there were 9 to 12 million patient visits each year for acupuncture with over $500 million spent for these services. Acupuncture has been cited by the World Health Organization to treat over forty-three conditions, and the National Institutes of Health has stated that ?the data in support of acupuncture are as strong as those for many accepted Western medical therapies.? Chinese medicine provides great insight into many health problems not dealt with completely or satisfactorily by modern Western medicine. It is empowering in that it gives simple reasons for why we get sick and tells us what we can do to prevent and treat those diseases. The fact that this modality is gentle and free from side effects makes it an excellent choice for keeping young children healthy.
|
Homepage