Are You Ready to Thrive?

A child is not just a small adult. In biomedicine, we know that children metabolize drugs differently than adults. Take Ritalin, for example. In adults it is a stimulant, however, in children, it is used to counteract hyperactivity. Children are, in a sense, a species all of their own.

According to Chinese medicine, it isn't until around age 6 that a child's meridians are formed. Until then, their energy is more freely flowing, and perhaps a little chaotic at times (does this sound like your young child? ;) ). Because a child's meridians aren't yet formed, an acupuncturist can't massage or needle the same points that they might on an adult.

But don't worry, there's still a lot that can be done to help your child! Just like in biomedicine, there is a pediatric branch of Chinese medicine. A child may be treated using massage (called Tuina - pronounced tweeNAH), acupuncture or herbs (or some combination of these).

Some common complaints for which a child may be treated using Chinese medicine:

*ADD/ADHD
*Colds & Flu
*Childhood Diseases (such as Chicken pox, Whooping Cough, Measles, etc.)
*Allergies
*Asthma
*Eczema

So, even though your child must be looked at differently from an adult, they can still get treatment for the things that ail them!

Today I've compiled a list of complaints that many people suffer from, but whenever I mention one of them, I hear, "Wow, I had no idea acupuncture could help with [fill in the blank]. I thought acupuncture only worked for pain!"

10.) Eczema - Though acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help with all types of skin conditions, eczema is one of the more common complaints, and one in which people don't tend to find complete relief through standard bio-medicine.

9.) Allergies - So many of us suffer from allergies. No matter what the allergy (pets, dust, mold, foods, chemicals), it's possible for acupuncture and Chinese herbs to remind your body that it doesn't need to over react to such common substances.

8.) Asthma - It's always important to have medications on hand for asthma, but using Chinese medicine may help you to need your rescue inhaler much less frequently.

7.) Depression - Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help balance your system so that your energy can flow smoothly, allowing for your mood to be stabilized.

6.) Weight loss - Though no one thing is the key to weight loss, it is possible for Chinese medicine to help speed the process of weight loss. You'll still need to exercise and eat right (I know, I know, that's no fun!), but if you keep up the good habits, acupuncture can help you see your hard work sooner!

5.) Anxiety - Chinese medicine can help slow the mind and allow you to be able to relax, feel calmer and more at peace.

4.) Sleep Problems - Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help all kinds of sleep problems. You'll fall asleep easier, you'll stay asleep, and you'll wake feeling rested without any of that foggy feeling or drowsiness often associated with sleep medications.

3.) Headaches - Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help with many different types of headaches. If you suffer from muscle tension headaches, your acupuncturist can get your muscles to relax. If you suffer from hormonal headaches (often associated with a certain time in a woman's menstrual cycle), it's possible to help balance your hormones.

2.) Menstrual Complaints - Some common complaints include: a lack of a period, heavy periods, cramping, PMS, infertility or irregular menstruation. Chinese medicine can help with all of these complaints!

1.) Menopausal Symptoms - Menopausal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable, but conventional treatments often come with risks (some bigger than others!) Chinese medicine can help your body adjust to this natural change and decrease your symptoms!


So, while acupuncture and herbs are GREAT for pain, remember, Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years as a complete health care system!