Sponsored By Eu Yan Sang | By Physician Jeffrey Ong
How TCM can help boost children’s immunity?
Immunity is also known as the body resistance to diseases. TCM believes that immunity arises from Qi generated from the spleen and lung organ systems. However, the organ systems of the growing children are generally more fragile and delicate, making them more susceptible to respiratory and digestive problems. Thus, it is necessary to boost their immunity, so as to allow for the strengthening of Qi to protect them from falling sick.
Through the use of herbal remedies, a child’s splenic and lung functions can be enhanced. Regular pediatric tuina and acupressure massage can also energize the flow of Qi within the body. By regulating the spleen and lung organ systems, stronger body immunity can be assured.
How TCM views and treats the common childhood ailments.
In TCM, illnesses are caused either by an infiltration of external pathogens, or a weak body constitution, or both. As children are still young and their organ systems have yet fully developed, they are more prone to falling sick. The lungs and spleen organ systems are known to be most vulnerable in children, which explain why it is common for children to get respiratory and digestive problems, like cough, allergic rhinitis, asthma, constipation, diarrhoea etc.
In treating these common childhood ailments, TCM focuses on the elimination of the pathogens and improving the children’s body constitutions. A physician will have to gather information on the symptoms experienced by the patients and their daily habits before making a proper diagnosis. After which, the treatment principles will be set according to the specific diagnosis made.
A proper treatment plan, including the treatment modalities, dosage and time frame, will then be drafted to suit the patient’s condition. Recommendations on diet or lifestyle changes will also be made if necessary.
Home remedies for cough, allergic rhinitis, and digestive and to boost immunity.
Coughs | clear heat, nourish lungs and stop cough
Snow Pear Soup (雪梨汤)
Ingredients:
- 2 Snow pears,
- 15g Chuan Bei Mu, Bulbus Fritrillaria Cirrhosae (川贝母),
- 15g Nan Xing, Southern Apricot Kernel(南杏),
- 10g Bei Xing, Northern Apricot Kernel (北杏),
- 3 bowls water,
- 1 tablespoon rock sugar
Preparation: Remove the core of the pears. Wash and crush the Chuan Bei Mu lightly. Wash both Nan Xing and Bei Xing. Leave all the ingredients in a pot with water and bring to boil. Simmer for 1 hour.
Acupressure Massage | clear lungs to treat heaty coughs, strengthen lungs to treat prolonged weak cough
Lung Meridian (肺经)
Location：Tip of the fourth finger.
Manipulation: Push from fingertip towards palm direction to clear lung fire. Rub in a clockwise direction to strengthen lung function.
Allergic Rhinitis | strengthen the lung functions, nourish the lung’s yin and clear the nose
Tonifying and Nourishing Lungs Soup (滋补强肺汤)
Ingredients:
- 8g Bai Zhi, Angelica Dahurica (白芷),
- 12g Wild Chinese Yam,
- 12g Snow Fungus,
- 12g Bai He, Bulbus lilii (百合),
- 6g Chen Pi, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (陈皮),
- 500g lean pork
Preparation: Put all the ingredients into a pot, add sufficient amount of water and simmer for two hours. Add salt to taste.
Acupressure Massage | clear the nose blockage
Ying Xiang Acupoint (迎香穴)
Location: On the nasolabial fold line, beside the wing of the nose
Manipulation: Gently massage for 30 seconds every session, twice a day
Digestion | good for treating indigestion, bloatedness and lack of appetite
Aid Digestion Tea (消积茶)
Ingredients:
- 30 g Hawthorn Fruit (山楂),
- 15 g Barley Malt (麦芽),
- 6 g Chen Pi, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (陈皮)
Preparation: Soak the ingredients for one hour, use three bowls of water and cook for 30 mins. Drink as tea.
Acupressure Massage | aid digestion, good for easing gastrointestinal discomfort
Zu San Li Acupoint (足三里穴)
Location: Four fingers width down the kneecap, along the outer boundary of the shin bone.
Manipulation: Apply pressure gently and massage for 30 seconds every session, twice a day.
Article by Physician Jeffrey Ong of Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinic at HarbourFront, Jurong Medical Centre, Sengkang Compass One, Tiong Bahru Plaza.
Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinic has a range of clinics that are designated as child-friendly with dedicated play areas filled with toys and books to keep the children happy and engaged while they wait; providing a calming environment before their consultation.
Psst! Perk alert! If you would like your child to try a Paediatric Tuina session, now’s the time! Until 31 Jan 2018, simply quote “PTN” at participating Eu Yan TCM Clinic to enjoy a trial session for only $38.
Valid for children from six months to seven years of age. Terms and conditions apply, click here for more details on participating clinics or call clinic hotline at 1800 225 1887.
sg.euyansangclinic.com
