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Traditional Chinese Medical Pediatrics
Traditional Chinese Medicine, with over 2500 years of continuous development, is one of the worlds oldest holistic systems of healthcare. And, within Traditional Chinese Medicine, Pediatrics is one of the oldest specialties, with the first clinical reference texts dating back about 1500 years.
The ancient Chinese physicians recognized that the needs of children are unique from those of adults, and that children’s bodies are delicate and require special methods of therapy. These ancient Chinese physicians developed a unique system of Pediatric treatment that is specific to the subtle anatomy of children.
There are 2 main modalities within Chinese Medical Pediatrics: Pediatric Tui Na and Pediatric Herbal Medicine. In addition, Chinese Medical Pediatrics includes diet and lifestyle consultation.
The Acupuncture meridian system and many of the Acupuncture points, as used in an Acupuncture treatment received by an adult, are not fully developed in young children. In young children the meridian system is basically embryonic. The meridians begin to mature at about 12 years of age, and become fully mature in the teenage years. Therefore, many of the acupuncture points that are often used for treating adults are not as effective when treating children. Traditional Chinese Medical Pediatrics as it is taught and practiced in China today RARELY uses Acupuncture treatment in young children, and then only for severe and / or difficult conditions.
Pediatric Tui Na is a specialized massage technique that is applied to specific reflex zones on the limbs and torso of the child. The treatment effects positive changes in the physiology and psychology of the child being treated. Pediatric Tui Na treatment directly stimulates individual organ systems, eliminates pathogens and activates the immune system. Pediatric Tui Na eliminates illness and facilitates the body’s own natural healing abilities by boosting the physiological activities and actions of the various organ and tissue systems, as well as the immune, hormone and endocrine systems.
In the case of infants and toddlers, these reflex zones are primarily located on the fingers, hands, and lower arms. As the age of the child increases, acu-points and reflex zones on the legs, torso, and head may be used as well.
Chinese Medical Pediatric Tui Na is convenient, safe and effective. Infants and young children respond particularly well to this treatment. In Pediatric Tui Na, the manipulations are gentle, using a very lite touch. Treatments last approximately: 10 - 20 minutes for children 1 - 6 months, 20 - 30 minute for children 6 - 12 months, and 30 - 40 minutes for children 1 - 5 years old.
Chinese Medical Pediatrics also includes the use of Herbal Medicine. Herbal treatment in Chinese Medicine is extremely complex, with hundreds of natural substances being used to create customized formulations. These formulations vary greatly in their uses and applications and are created based on the constitution and the presenting symptoms of the child being treated. Throughout the history and development of this medicine many formulas have been developed specifically for treating childhood illnesses. These Medicinal formulas can be prepared in a variety of ways. For children who are able to swallow easily, formulas are taken as teas or as small pills. For the very young, and those who are unable to ingest tea or to swallow pills, the herbal treatments are applied externally as powders or pastes. These pastes and powders are then applied to specific points and areas of the body. Herbal baths and compresses are used as well. With these external application, the healing qualities of the medicines are absorbed through the skin to stimulate natural and gentle healing in your child’s body.
Pediatric clinics in China today use these traditional methods to treat everything from colds to epilepsy, digestive upset to mental retardation. Chinese Medical Pediatric Healthcare is effective for:
- digestive problems, constipation, diarrhea, improving appetite, and food allergies
- asthma and respiratory allergies
- upper respiratory tract infections, cough, colds and flu
- earaches and sore throat
- emotional disorders, sleep issues and stress
- nocturia and enuresis
- attention disorders and learning disabilities
- maintaining general health and well being, and developing immunity
In addition, Chinese Medical Pediatric Healthcare is a helpful adjunct to standard medical treatment for such situations as:
- juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- epilepsy
- traumatic injuries
- mental and physical developmental disorders
Malik Lawrence LAC has been a licensed healthcare provider using alternative healthcare methods to treat children since 1994. His clinical experience with children has ranged from such conditions as the common cold and asthma, to digestive disorders and spinal bifida.
In 2000 Malik studied Chinese Medical Pediatrics at the Pediatric Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nan Jing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nan Jing, China. There, Malik interned with Dr. Gao Xiang, an Herbal Medicine doctor who specialized in treating epilepsy. And Dr. Ying Ming, a general pediatric care doctor providing Pediatric Tui Na and Herbal Medicine. The First Affiliated Hospital of Nan Jing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine is a busy hospital located in a large city. The doctors in the outpatient clinic will often see 20 - 40 pediatric patients per day.
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