Pediatrics in Chinese Medicine
By Kolleen Mitchell, LAc
Pediatric health concerns have been addressed by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. Children are thought to have more pure and less complicated energies than adults as they have not had the years of wear and tear on their bodies. They have a tremendous propensity towards healing and sometimes it simply takes a gentle push towards this balance. The treatment of children with Chinese medicine takes all factors of our little ones into consideration. Acupuncture acknowledges their spirits and emotions in conjunction with their current state of health. It seeks to enhance a child’s inherent ability to heal, boosts immunity, and overall creates a more vital, peaceful child. It is a form of treatment that encompasses the whole child and not just one aspect or one symptom. The most natural, non-invasive and effective treatment will build stronger children, adults, and society as a whole.
As western practitioners of TCM, we have a tremendous opportunity to affect the whole life of the child. From infancy through the teenage years, acupuncture techniques are applied for varying health concerns. Many of the most common pediatric disorders that acupuncture treats are:
- colic
- constipation, reflux, diarrhea
- respiratory issues including asthma, colds, flu and allergies
- ear infections
- ADD / ADHD
- anxiety / depression
- IBS or other stress related digestive problems
- post-chemotherapy illness and fatigue
- headaches
- menstrual disorders in teens
- insomnia and bedwetting
The list is virtually endless because, prior to the advent of Western medicine, Acupuncture and herbs were used in China as what we now call “primary care” medicine. There are so many health issues in pediatrics that respond extremely well to TCM treatments and can even prevent the use of more medications and in some cases even surgery. Because children usually respond very quickly to treatment, most conditions require only a short course of treatment. Some patients may then continue on for maintenance treatments, or on an as-needed basis, depending how chronic the problem.
The methods of treatment vary according to the child’s age and severity of the issue. Parents are offered a well rounded treatment strategy by their licensed acupuncturist focused on bringing about meaningful changes in the child’s health and overall well being. Parental involvement is crucial in changing any lifestyle or dietary issues that may be contributing to the given health concern. Acupuncturists will also work directly with pediatricians to compliment and monitor the progress of the patient. Of course, every medicine has its limitations and certainly any good practitioner will want to do what is best for the child including referring out to another health care modality if the case is beyond our scope of practice.
Gentle needles, medical massage (tui-na) or other modalities are applied to strategic acupuncture points according to the diagnosis of the condition. There are hundreds of acupuncture points all over the human body. Each point has a personality of its own. I like to say that the acupuncture points are like western pharmaceuticals; they have a specific target and work within specific organ systems. Unlike medications however, acupuncture has little to no side effects at all. In children and teens, very few points are needed to elicit a great result. As an acupuncturist, I personally take a lot of time with both parent and child to ensure there is a comfortable level of trust and confidence in what happens in the treatment room. Both kids and parents are a little unsure at first and even small children and babies require the creation of a safe, trusting space in which to heal. In seeking out treatment for your child, rest assured that a qualified TCM practitioner will be able to provide answers to any questions you may have prior to beginning. Your practitioner will be able to discuss all methods, including non-needle techniques, and strategic herbal remedies that may benefit your child’s health concerns.
I have had pediatric patients that came as a result of their mother’s pre-natal treatments who continue to rely on TCM for illnesses or issues throughout childhood. Most parents seek the most effective, least invasive, most natural means of treating their children. Acupuncture can provide this throughout a lifetime. As a parent I feel truly blessed to have TCM and Acupuncture as an option for treatment of my child’s health concerns as they arise. I would like all parents to feel empowered that options exist for viable, effective healthcare treatment for your children and really for the whole family. Vibrant, balanced children will bring about a brighter future for us all.