Giving Your Child the Tools for Optimal Health

Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. It is among the most common diseases in the U.S. today, with an estimated 15 million cases nationwide. The disease often begins in childhood and is one of the leading causes of school absence, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. Asthma is associated with many lower respiratory tract infections, regular use of bronchodilators, steroids, and other drugs, physical limitations, and psychological risks. ,

Asthma is on the rise, affecting the lives of children, adults and their families. Asthma can be both physically and emotionally debilitating for a child, as their activities and social interactions are many times hindered by their condition. Parents and holistic care practitioners are concerned with the long term safety of many of the asthma medications. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are two modalities that have the ability to effectively respond to the asthma epidemic without creating complicated side effects from medications. A well designed, integrative treatment plan is a safe and effective method that can help in cutting back the need for medication, reduce visits to the emergency room, decrease the frequency of respiratory infections and improve stamina. Many families are now including Chinese medicine in their children’s treatment plans as another tool to help their children lead healthier, happier lives.

Integrating Chinese Medicine Into Your Child’s Treatment Plan

You already know that your child is unique. As practitioners of Chinese medicine, we also recognize them as individuals. When we meet you and your child we will begin to understand their unique presentation medical situation. Treatment plans are customized to fit your child’s specific symptoms and needs. While one child may present with recurrent respiratory infections and thick phlegm, another may present with nighttime wheezing and runny nose. Asthma is a complex combination of patterns. By individualizing treatment plans, we begin to offer symptom relief to your child, while addressing underlying issues that may be contributing to their continued discomfort. .

At FirstHealth of Andover, we use a very gentle, non-needle, non-invasive acupuncture massage technique called Shonishin. Shonishin is typically used on babies and children between the ages of 0-12 years old. In Japan, parents regularly bring their children for Shonishin treatment of many common childhood illnesses as well as for monthly “maintenance” visits to establish health and improve growth and development. Children respond with coos and giggles and many times become very relaxed. We will most likely use a combination of this special non-needle acupuncture and child safe herbal medicine to alleviate symptoms and rebuild the body’s strength and vitality. In most cases, young children respond quickly to treatments because their overall health is generally good. Children with more chronic conditions may need a longer treatment period to rebuild their systems. If you notice your child having early warning signs of asthma, such as wheezing, shortness of breath or chronic unexplained cough, it is a great time to bring them in for treatments to prevent the onset of asthma.

Chinese medicine offers multiple tools for treating children with asthma. Many times lifestyle and dietary factors play a large role in the severity and frequency of the condition. Your practitioner will discuss foods from a Chinese medical perspective that are helpful and harmful to your child’s health. Tui-na, or Chinese massage, offers gentle techniques that parents can perform at home with their children. We can teach you basic techniques to continue at home you’re your child. Tui-na will help to build your child’s immune system and regulate imbalances in between acupuncture treatments. Many families enjoy this peaceful bonding time together, which leads to better health for the child.

Conclusion

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can give you and your child an opportunity to work with your family physician to safely reduce unwanted medication, while improving quality of life. At FirstHealth of Andover, we have experience working in concert with you and your child’s doctor to come up with the best treatment plan possible.

Give us a call to see if we can help!

Pediatric Wellness Initiative