Paediatrics

 

Paediatrics is one of the oldest specialties in Chinese medicine. Children are not seen as miniature adults, and their treatments are specific to these differences. Chinese medicine sees the child’s body as immature and susceptible to certain diseases.

Children’s digestive function is considered immature until the age of six. Digestion plays a major role in the health and well being of infants and young children; therefore diet is extremely important in preventing and treating childhood disease. Children are generally more susceptible to getting sick, but they are also quicker to recover. Children respond very quickly to medicine of any kind.

When you bring your infant or child in for an appointment your acupuncturist will take a thorough medical history. Some questions will be the same as your GP, will ask, while others are specific to Chinese medicine. Your acupuncturist may also look at your child’s eyes, tongue, skin colour, and vein at the base of the index finger. This information will guide the treatment plan.

Acupuncture: Infants typically do not receive acupuncture. Children under the age of eight can receive acupuncture. The needles are inserted and removed quickly so the child does not have to rest or hold still to retain needles. Pre-pubescent children can retain needles for up to 20 minutes. Adolescents receive acupuncture as adults.

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