Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
0 items - $0.00 0
Online consultation
0 items - $0.00 0
Close
Treatment for pediatric diseases

Treatment for pediatric diseases

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment for pediatric diseases is based on the principles of holistic theory and syndrome differentiation (Bian Zheng Lun Zhi). It takes into account the physiological and pathological characteristics of children and uses methods such as herbal medicine, massage, acupuncture, and dietary therapy to regulate the balance of Yin and Yang in children and promote healthy growth.

1. Physiological and Pathological Characteristics of Children

  • Physiological Characteristics:
    • Delicate Organs and Insufficient Qi: Children’s organ functions are not fully developed, and their resistance is relatively weak.
    • Vigorous Vitality and Rapid Development: Children grow and develop quickly, with vigorous metabolism.
    • Susceptibility to Deficiency and Excess, Cold and Heat: Children’s constitutions are sensitive, making them prone to external pathogens and rapid changes in condition.
  • Pathological Characteristics:
    • High Susceptibility to Disease and Rapid Progression: Children are easily affected by external pathogens, and their conditions can change quickly.
    • Pure Organ Qi and Quick Recovery: Children have strong recovery abilities and can heal quickly with proper treatment.

2. Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment

  • Syndrome Differentiation: Based on the child’s symptoms, physical signs, tongue appearance, and finger vein patterns (for children under three years old), the cause, pathogenesis, and location of the disease are determined. Common differentiation methods for pediatric diseases include the Eight Principles, Zang-Fu organ differentiation, and Qi-Blood differentiation.
  • Treatment Determination: Based on the differentiation results, a treatment plan is formulated, and appropriate herbal formulas or therapeutic methods are selected.

3. Common Treatment Methods

  • Herbal Medicine: According to the differentiation results, corresponding herbal formulas are chosen. Commonly used formulas include Bao He Wan (Harmony-Preserving Pill), Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction), and Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder), which are used to regulate the spleen and stomach, clear heat and toxins, and dispel wind.
  • Pediatric Tui Na (Massage): Through manual techniques applied to meridians and acupoints, Qi and Blood circulation is regulated. It is commonly used to treat indigestion, colds, and coughs. Common techniques include pushing, grasping, kneading, and pressing.
  • Acupuncture: Suitable for older children, acupuncture regulates Qi and Blood circulation by stimulating meridian points. It is often used to treat enuresis (bedwetting) and asthma.
  • Dietary Therapy: Based on the child’s constitution and condition, appropriate foods are selected for nourishment. For example, children with spleen and stomach deficiency should consume foods that strengthen the spleen and boost Qi, while those with lung heat and cough should consume foods that clear the lungs and moisten dryness.

4. TCM Treatment for Common Pediatric Diseases

  • Common Cold:
    • Wind-Cold Type: Treated with Jing Fang Bai Du San (Schizonepeta and Saposhnikovia Toxin-Resolving Powder) or Cong Chi Tang (Scallion and Fermented Soybean Decoction).
    • Wind-Heat Type: Treated with Yin Qiao San or Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Decoction).
  • Cough:
    • Wind-Cold Cough: Treated with Zhi Sou San (Stop Coughing Powder) or Xing Su San (Apricot Kernel and Perilla Powder).
    • Wind-Heat Cough: Treated with Sang Ju Yin or Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction).
    • Phlegm-Dampness Cough: Treated with Er Chen Tang (Two Aged Ingredients Decoction) or San Zi Yang Qin Tang (Three-Seed Decoction for Nourishing the Elderly).
  • Indigestion:
    • Food Accumulation: Treated with Bao He Wan or Shan Zha Wan (Hawthorn Pill).
    • Spleen Deficiency: Treated with Liu Jun Zi Tang or Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Powder).
  • Diarrhea:
    • Cold-Damp Type: Treated with Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San (Agastache Qi-Correcting Powder) or Li Zhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction).
    • Damp-Heat Type: Treated with Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang (Kudzu, Scutellaria, and Coptis Decoction) or Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Coptis Toxin-Resolving Decoction).
    • Spleen Deficiency Type: Treated with Qi Wei Bai Zhu San (Seven-Ingredient Atractylodes Powder) or Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.
  • Asthma:
    • Acute Phase: Treated with Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction) or Ding Chuan Tang (Asthma-Relieving Decoction).
    • Remission Phase: Treated with Liu Jun Zi Tang or Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Wind-Barrier Powder).
  • Enuresis (Bedwetting):
    • Kidney Qi Deficiency: Treated with Suo Quan Wan (Shrinking Urine Pill) or Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Pill).
    • Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency: Treated with Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) or Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.

5. Nourishment and Prevention

  • Dietary Therapy: Choose appropriate foods based on the child’s constitution. For example, children with spleen and stomach deficiency should consume Chinese yam and lotus seeds, while those with lung heat and cough should consume pears and lily bulbs.
  • Regular Lifestyle: Maintain a regular daily routine and avoid overexertion, especially staying up late.
  • Appropriate Exercise: Encourage children to engage in moderate physical activity to strengthen their constitution and promote Qi and Blood circulation.
  • Emotional Regulation: Keep children emotionally stable and avoid excessive fear or worry.

6. Precautions

  • Individualized Treatment: Treatment should be tailored to the child’s specific condition, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • Medication Dosage: Dosages for children should be adjusted according to age and weight to avoid overdose.
  • Integrative Medicine: In some cases, combining TCM with Western medicine can enhance treatment efficacy.

7. Key Points for Preventing Pediatric Diseases

  • Strengthen Constitution: Enhance children’s resistance through appropriate exercise and dietary nourishment.
  • Avoid Triggers: Such as avoiding allergens, maintaining a clean environment, and preventing excessive fatigue.
  • Regular Check-ups: Early detection and treatment of pediatric diseases to prevent worsening of conditions.

TCM treatment for pediatric diseases emphasizes holistic regulation and individualized care. Through a combination of methods, it aims to address the root cause of diseases and achieve therapeutic goals. Its advantages include minimal side effects, long-lasting efficacy, and a focus on integrating prevention and nourishment, making it well-suited to the growth and development characteristics of children.