In Chinese medicine, children are not regarded as miniature adults. Rather, they are understood as immature both physically and functionally. Most of the common pediatric complaints are due to this immaturity.
Chinese medicine holds that because infant’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 infants often have colds, coughs, colic, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and stomachaches.
Shonishin (Japanese style of pediatric acupuncture)Shonishin, is safe and gentle for babies and children. It is intended for children from birth to about 12 years old.
Needles are not used with infants and small children. I use a special pediatric kit, which involves scrapers, combs, rollers, and brushes that are gently stroked on the meridians to stimulate various acupuncture points at the surface of the child’s body. The children enjoy their treatments, since it is soothing and comfortable and get relief from asthma, headache, and abdominal pain...
In Japan, Shonishin is highly regarded as a preventive medical treatment. Regular Shonishin treatments help strengthen the parent-child relationship and improve the spiritual and emotional development of the child.
In my practice Traditional Tibetan Singing Bowls & Tibetan Prayer Chimes are played for just a few minutes,to capture the attention of the child. Children love the slowly fading sound of singing metal they become silent and still and follow it to the end. This provides a point of focus that quiets and relaxes the mind before the Shonishin treatment.
Pediatric Tui Na
Infants also love and benefit from massage. Due to their rapidly growing bodies, infants consume large amounts of Qi. Therefore, the organs most responsible for producing Qi are frequently in a deficient state. The conditions that the deficiencies of these organs can produce are often effectively treated with pediatric massage.
Chinese infant massage is gentle, safe and without side effects. It is specifically designed to prevent and treat pediatric disorders using a special repertoire of points that are particular to children. Combinations of specific massage maneuvers are used for rebalancing particular patterns of disharmony. Usually a Chinese pediatric massage treatment lasts 20-30 minutes and is typically performed with the child clothed or just wearing a diaper.
Pediatric massage is useful in comforting and calming infants and treating colic, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, fever, earache and night crying. Regular daily preventative massage done by the parents will increase circulation of Qi and blood, strengthen the immune system, and promote better sleeping and eating habits, socialization, coordination and disposition. We also teach mothers how to massage their babies as a means of strengthening their bond and keeping them calm, happy and healthy.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
A gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and strengthening the body's craniosacral system (CSS). The CSS is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluids that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the face and mouth (cranium) to the tail bone (sacrum). This system maintains the environment in which the central nervous system functions and is so vital to the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor, and neurological disabilities.
Like the pulse, the CSS has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body. Using a light touch, the practitioner monitors this rhythm to pinpoint areas of restriction. Once the restrictions are located, the practitioner assists in the natural movement of the cerebral spinal fluid and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct. The release of restrictions in the CSS alleviates the effects of stress on the body and improves the functioning of the entire central nervous system.
The extremely light touch involved in the application of CST makes it a safe approach for children. Infants and newborns will particularly benefit from the timely identification and release of restriction in the CSS to help prevent future ailments. Because of its influence on the central nervous system, CST can bolster overall health and resistance to disease.
Herbal Medicine, Diet And Life Style Counseling
In our pediatric sessions, only if necessary an herbal medicine is prescribed, other wise dietary guidelines are given. We will also discuss other issues like the effects of media exposure on the behavior of children, etc...
Some Interesting Articles you may want to read:
Mediterranean Diet Wards Off Childhood Respiratory Allergies: "A 'Mediterranean' diet rich in fruits, vegetables and nuts protects against allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms, suggests research published ahead of print in Thorax. The researchers assessed the dietary habits, respiratory symptoms, and allergic reactions of almost 700 children living in four rural areas on the Greek island of Crete.
The children were all aged between 7 and 18 years of age. Skin allergies are relatively common in Crete, but respiratory allergies, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis are relatively rare. Parents completed detailed questionnaires on their children's allergic and respiratory symptoms and dietary habits.
Whether the children ate a 'Mediterranean' diet was measured against a set of 12 foodstuffs, including fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil. Eight out of 10 children ate fresh fruit, and over two thirds of them ate fresh vegetables, at least twice a day."
New research by Iowa State University psychologists provides more concrete evidence of
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Azita Moallef, L.Ac.
310.453.5717
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