How does Traditional Chinese Medicine help with Cancer Support?
How does Traditional Chinese Medicine help with Cancer Support? WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share We understand that a cancer diagnosis for you or your loved one can be a distressing and emotional time for you and your family. In this article, we will explain how Oriental Remedies Group can help improve the quality of life for the patient during this tumultuous period, by providing cancer support via Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Technology-Enhanced Therapies, along your route to recovery. In recent years, more cancer patients are turning to TCM as a form of cancer support. In our clinic, we see an increasing number of patients who suffer from side effects of chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy and are seeking complementary TCM therapies to reduce the side effects and alleviate symptoms such as pain. Why use TCM for cancer support? Many clinical studies have shown that TCM is effective in supporting treatments against breast, gastric and lung cancer. An example from one of the researches shows that when TCM is used as a complementary therapy combined with conventional chemotherapy, patients increased the survival rate, had a better response to chemotherapy and experienced reduced side effects, including vomiting and the decline of red blood cells.[1] On top of that, TCM also improves the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in fighting cancer, guided by therapeutic principles of tonifying Qi and producing Blood[1], strengthening the Spleen and Stomach, nourishing the Liver and Kidney and removing Heat or inflammation from Blood and toxic materials from the body. TCM also plays a strong role in helping patients with advanced cancer diagnosis or patients, especially elderly ones, where radiotherapy and chemotherapy are deemed as unsuitable treatment therapies. Research shows that TCM can stabilise tumour lesions, improve symptoms, enhance the quality of life and prolong survival time.[1] If you’re getting a little lost above, fret not. In this article, we hope to demystify TCM and help you gain better knowledge and awareness so that you can make an informed decision with the use of TCM treatments in your recovery. The efficacy of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in cancer treatment. Source: NCBI What exactly is cancer? According to the Singapore Cancer Society, cancer is a term that refers to a group of diseases, all of which are characterised by abnormal cell growth.[2] When the normal regulated process of cell division and growth malfunctions, the cells will grow and divide uncontrollably. As they continue to grow and multiply, they may amass to form tumours. There are two kinds of tumours; benign and malignant. The former is a tumour that continues to grow and divide in the same place, without spreading to other parts of the body. On the other hand, when the tumour spreads and invades into other parts of the body via metastasis, it is a life-threatening tumour known as malignant tumours. What causes cancer from a TCM perspective? 1) Weak immunity Qi has a defensive mechanism that protects the body, thus weakened Qi formed from poor digestive function results in weakened immunity Coldness restricts the flow of Qi and Blood resulting in stagnation Stress and emotions stagnate Qi flow 2) Poor Blood circulation It can result from coldness accumulated in the body. This could be from external environment or frequent ingestion of food of cold nature Weak Qi (energy) is unable to encourage Blood flow. Hence, many cancer patients tend to feel cold and have cold extremities Blood is thick and turbid thus stagnated 3) Phlegm Dampness accumulation Weakened digestive function Excessive intake of food of cold nature or oily/greasy food Exposure to cold environments weakens Spleen’s ability to transform food into nutritive essence, thereby reducing the formation of Qi and Blood Poor bowel movement results in the accumulation of toxins 4) Exposure to Dampness from the environment Environmental toxins Exposure of damp and cold environment Patient trying Electro-Lymphatic Therapy at Oriental Remedies Group How does Oriental Remedies Group support cancer recovery? TCM views the treatment of cancer holistically, with a systematic approach being taken to treat and improve the overall condition of the body. Physicians customise a treatment plan suited to the patient, based on the identified root cause(s). At Oriental Remedies Group, a combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments and Technology-Enhanced Therapies are prescribed to boost the patients’ immune system and to strengthen and nourish the body. Even when you are undergoing conventional cancer treatments, you can still work on improving your quality of life! Find out some of the key therapies prescribed for cancer warriors below: Acupuncture Acupuncture utilises very fine needles placed at different parts of the body to help regulate, realign and improve the condition of the body and its organs Acupuncture treatments are focused on improving the patients’ quality of life Cancer patients report the below benefits: Strengthened immune system More energy and reduced lethargy Reduced cancer treatment side effects Reduced anxiety Herbal Medication Helps to recuperate the body, replenish the Qi and energy, nourishing the body so that it can fight the cancer cells Some herbal medication are supported by research to help suppress the growth and spread of cancer in the body Electro-Lymphatic Therapy Improves the function of the lymphatic system which is closely linked to ‘San Jiao’ in TCM Cancer patients report better well-being: Strengthened immunity Reduced pain, aches and inflammation Reduce water retention and lymphedema (especially for cancer patients who have gone through lymph node removals) Better sleep and mobility Aside from TCMxTech-Enhanced Therapies recommended by your physicians, it is equally important for cancer patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet for their body system to function optimally while/after undergoing treatments. Here are some strategies on How To Eat Right During and After Chemotherapy/ Radiotherapy. Is TCM suitable for every cancer patient? Yes! TCM Physicians work alongside major hospitals in Singapore like Tan Tock Seng Hospital to provide care to patients with all sorts of conditions, not just cancer. However, it is important to seek professional consultation from certified physicians as some patients may be allergic to certain herbs, or certain herbs are not suitable when patients
What is the link between Traditional Chinese Medicine and allopathic Western medicine
Understanding our lymphatic system and how it works WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share A study of San Jiao (三膲) and the Lymphatic system. A lot of our patients have asked us why we spend time educating people about lymphatic health and system, which is seemingly a Western concept, when we are primarily a TCM organization? To understand the link between the two, we must first understand the differences between how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine evolved to the same goal of healing the body. TCM evolved over the last 5000 years based on practice and observing experiences of patients, often seeing the body as a whole inter-connected system. Western medicine roots back to the 19th century and is derived from scientific research and studies. However, modern research has started to put medical ‘names’ to the TCM concepts that have existed for thousands of years. For example, “the essence of kidney” is a core concept in TCM theory and modern studies123 have shown that “kidney deficiency syndrome” is equivalent to the aging in modern medicine4. Similarly, some studies showed that what is known as “heart qi deficiency” is associated with cardiac insufficiency in modern medicine567. In this article, we will share how our lymphatic system has been observed to share many similarities with the TCM concept of 三焦 (San Jiao) and meridians. These, along with a renewed understanding on the importance of our lymphatic system in fighting against hormonal, metabolic and cancer related issues with recent studies, is the reason for our increasing focus on good lymphatic health here at Oriental Remedies Group. The Lymphatic System and San Jiao The lymphatic system is an intricate web of lymph nodes and vessels that spans throughout our body, with the primary function of transporting lymph fluids containing toxins, biological waste, different types of proteins and fats throughout the body. (Refer to our Article: Understanding Our Lymphatic System And How It Works for more information on our Lymphatic System). Source: lieske.com San jiao, also referred to as “Triple Warmer”, is not an organ but it is important in TCM because it is an omnipresent structure that contains the different bodily systems and organs, and is deeply involved with the functions of the different organs in the San Jiao by being the passageway for fluids, food essence, waste etc. For the body to carry out its normal functions, there must be a good balance and a clear passageway for the exchange of these essential materials between the 3 different energizers. Despite not having a physical structure, San Jiao serves a very important function as a passageway for the movement of “qi”, heat and fluid throughout the body. It is also vital in the removal of wastes and is closely involved in the metabolism processes in the body. Just like the San Jiao, the lymphatic system also shares similar functions of: 1) fluid regulation2) elimination of wastes and toxins3) playing a part in our body’s metabolism. Figure 1 and 2: Visualization of San Jiao and Lymphatic System Figure 1: San Jiao can be broadly separated into 3 different parts: Upper Energizer (上焦), Middle Energizer (中焦) and Lower Energizer (下焦). Different organs and visceras belong to each of the different parts according to their location in the body. 1) Fluid Regulation: Whether you are diagnosed with problematic lymphatic system by Western medicine or deficient San Jiao by TCM practitioner, they will both point to a pathologic condition of edema. Fluid regulation is a very important function of our body’s lymphatic system. When excess fluid is not removed, water retention happens and water is collected at the area. This is what we commonly known as water retention, swelling or edema. In technical terms, at our capillaries, fluid from blood plasma exits the blood vessels and while most returns almost immediately to the blood in the capillaries by osmosis, some remains in interstitial spaces as extracellular fluids and must be returned to the blood by way of the lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic system removes these excess fluids left behind in the cells and returns them into the circulatory system when the lymph fluids enters the subclavian veins via the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct. Similarly in TCM, our San Jiao serves an important role in fluid regulation. San Jiao is the connection pathway between various organs and it ensures that fluid is able to flow between the different organs in separate energizers in order for our body to function normally. Our body fluid is derived from food broken down by our digestive system and is processed by different organs to moisten and nourish the viscera and the body. In particular, the most important organs for water metabolism are the lung in the upper energizer, the spleen in the middle and the kidney in the lower energizer. The ancient traditional chinese book Elementary Questions (Su Wen) explains, “The Triple Burner holds the office of the sluices; it manifests as the waterways.” 2) Waste Disposal: Both the lymphatic system and the San Jiao function to eliminate waste from the body. Source: dynamicscience.com.au Our lymph nodes filter waste and foreign particles in the lymph, then adds lymphocytes and antibodies before the purified lymph returns to the circulatory system. In doing so, the lymphatic system ensures that any remaining waste in the cells are returned back into the venous blood are excreted from the body via the kidneys etc. And as lymph capillaries are bigger than blood capillaries, it helps in the disposal of larger wastes such as unwanted proteins. In more technical terms, arterial blood carries oxygen, nutrients, and hormones for the cells. It enters the cells at capillaries and 90% of this fluid, now carrying waste products from the cells, then returns to the circulatory system as venous blood. The remaining 10% of this fluid becomes lymph which enters our lymphatic system. This waste is protein-rich due to the undigested proteins that were removed from the cells. Correspondingly, the kidney and intestines in the lower energizer of San Jiao is
Western Pain Diagnosis Through an Eastern Lens
Western Pain Diagnosis Through an Eastern Lens WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share The following content was presented by Physician Leong at the Helping CHEN Summit by Pfizer on 11 May 2019. Many people have experienced pain relief with TCM treatments, but often don’t understand why they felt their pain go away. In this article written for allopathic doctors (or any curious audience, really), we will cover: What are the ‘western medical names’ for pain conditions identified in TCM? Acupoints that are useful for pain relief If one does not have access to a certified acupuncturist, you can also do acupressure massage on these points for relief. Ethiology (TCM) Common Corresponding Issues/Symptoms Acute Stagnation of Qi and Blood in the lumbar region Traumatic Injury, Soft tissue Sprains and strains Bone Spurs Pain usually fixed and aggravated upon movement and/or pressure Chronic Invasion and retention of pathogenic cold/wind/damp in the meridians (Urinary Bladder (UB), Gall Bladder (GB) and Governing Vessel (GV) Channels) Bone Spurs Slipped Disc/Nerve Irritation Sciatica Pain Pain began after exposure to pathogenic cold/wind/damp (symptoms could be weather related) Heavy sensation and pain in the lumbar region Stiffness of the muscles with possible limitation of movement Chronic Deficiency of the Kidneys Osteoporosis Pain is not severe – experience a sensation of soreness Weakness in the lumbar area as well as in the knees Ageing symptoms – fatigue, frequent urination, blurry vision, cold hands and feet Principles of acupoint selection: Etiology of Pain Acute vs Chronic Pain Patient’s condition: Ability to lie down? Tolerance of pain? Localised Treatment Huantiao (GB 30) Yaoyan (Extra 9) Shenshu (UB 23) Dachangshu (UB 25) Yaoyangguan (GV 3) Mingmen (GV 4) Distant Treatment Etiology & Pathology (TCM) Corresponding Issues/Symptoms A Stagnation of Qi and Blood in the lumbar region Traumatic Injury, Sprains, Contusion Bone Spurs Pain usually fixed and aggravated upon movement and/or pressure B Invasion and retention of pathogenic cold/wind/damp in the corresponding channels and collaterals Bone Spurs Slipped Disc/Nerve Irritation Sciatica Pain Pain began after exposure to pathogenic cold/wind/damp (weather related) Heavy sensation and pain in the lumbar region Stiffness of the muscles with possible limitation of movement C Deficiency of the Kidneys Osteoporosis Pain is not severe – experience a sensation of soreness Weakness in the lumbar area as well as in the knees Ageing symptoms – fatigue, frequent urination, blurry vision, cold hands and feet Etiology & Pathology (TCM) Distant Acupoints to Resolve Root Causes A Stagnation of Qi and Blood in the lumbar region S1-S2 pain, difficulty in rotation – Houxi (SI 3), Wanshunyi (T 22.08), Wanshuner (T 22.09) Pain above L2, bone spurs – Yaotongxue, Zhongbai (T 22.06), Xiabai (T 22.07) B Invasion and retention of pathogenic cold/wind/damp in the corresponding channels and collaterals L4-L5 pain/Sciatica – Weizhong (UB 40) Xuanzhong (GB39), Dabai (T 22.04), Linggu (T 22.05) Bleeding for UB 40. Sciatica with bone spurs – GB 30, Yanglingquan (GB 34), Quchi (LI 11) Expels cold – Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Huofuhai (T 33.07), Jianzhong (T 44.06) Dispel wind – Fengshi (GB 31), Shouwujin (T 33.08), Shouqianjin (T 33.09) Dispel dampness and bone spur – Minghuang (T 88.12), Tianhuang (T 88.13), Qihuang (T 88.14) C Deficiency of the Kidneys Nourish kidneys – Taixi (KD 3), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6) Improving weakness in the knees – Shenmen (HT 7), Shaohai (HT 3), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Weizhong (UB 40) Do you have issues that may require a physician? Contact us at +65 8087 0486 or drop us a Whatsapp to make an appointment. Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information and educational purposes only. Such medical information may relate to disease, injury, drugs and other treatments, medical devices and/or health products. Medical information does not amount to advice, and if advice is needed an appropriate professional help should be sought. The disclaimer asserts that no warranties or representations are given in respect of the medical information, and that the website operator should not be held liable if a user suffers any injury or loss after relying upon the medical information. RELATED TOPICS
3 Steps to Good Quality Sleep
3 Steps to Good Quality Sleep WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share Originally posted on Mednefits.com written by Physician Leong Weizhen 1) Recognising what poor quality sleep is Most people see poor sleep and think “Oh, I have good quality sleep. I fall asleep so fast. I don’t need to read this” and flip the page. But do you know what really defines poor sleep? If you experience lethargy, brain fog and food comas in the day, or have vivid dreams and wake up to urinate often at night, you very likely have poor sleep. Although these traits seem normal because you have had them for so long, all of them are red flags for insufficient sleep in quality and/or quantity. According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School [1], insufficient sleep in the short term can affect emotions, learning and increase the likelihood of severe accidents and injuries. Extended periods of poor and insufficient sleep can result in a plethora of health issues including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and shortened lifespans. 2) Leveraging TCM to identify the accurate root cause of poor quality sleep Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aids sleep quality in many ways but it is important to first understand the right root cause. For example, some patients may be having poor appetite or excessive food intake which results in dreams and worries in the night. This is likely due to spleen deficiency causing sleep disturbance. Depression and anxiety also prevent one from having good quality sleep, and that could be due to Qi and blood stagnation. Working adults typically struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep or achieve deep rested sleep, driven by stress and an overactive mind. In this case, it is likely liver fire disrupting the mind. Hence, TCM physicians need to know more about patients through a detailed consultation – not just about sleeping patterns but also daily living habits. There are usually other symptoms which will point out the relevant imbalances that need to be corrected and harmonised. 3) Effective TCM solutions for great sleep and energy TCM solutions for resolving poor sleep issues are highly customised depending on the root cause identified through our diagnosis. In our herb prescriptions, we aim to balance patient’s specific body constitution and blend herbs such as FuShen 茯神, SuanZaoRen 酸枣仁, ZhenZhuMu 珍珠母 and GuiYuan 桂圆 which are specific to improve sleep quality. Acupuncture is also an effective treatment option to help improve sleep quality. According to Pacific College of Oriental Medicine [2], by targeting and rectifying the imbalance of Qi and Yin Yang in the body, acupuncture helps the body and mind regain balance and harmony. The stimulated flow and unblocking of stagnated Qi in the meridians and the body helps improve your mind and body, helping you to rest better and thus get better sleep There are typical acupoints used to improve sleep quality such as YinTang印堂, ShenMen神门, NeiGuan内关, SanYinJiao三阴交. You can try massaging these points daily, 5 mins each point, for home therapy as well. Our clinic also utilizes state-of-the-art FDA-registered medical device to improve lymphatic drainage via Electro-Lymphatic Therapy. By reducing water retention, pain and clearing lymph congestion, many patients report feeling relaxed and experience better sleep. How would you be able to tell when your sleep has improved? Good rest happens when you have a peaceful sleep, fall asleep within 20 minutes of getting in bed, stay asleep most of the time you spend in bed as well as waking up feeling refreshed and energized throughout the day. Better rest results in stronger immunity, higher productivity, more energy as well as no food comas! If you have been looking to improve your sleep quality and have tried caffeine reduction and sleeping aids with minimal results, do not despair. Make an appointment with our Singaporean bi-lingual TCM Physicians trained in China today to improve your quality of sleep and life today! Make an appointment with us at +65 8087 0486 or go to our contact page to make an appointment. Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information and educational purposes only. Such medical information may relate to disease, injury, drugs and other treatments, medical devices and/or health products. Medical information does not amount to advice, and if advice is needed an appropriate professional help should be sought. The disclaimer asserts that no warranties or representations are given in respect of the medical information, and that the website operator should not be held liable if a user suffers any injury or loss after relying upon the medical information. References: 1. http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/consequences 2. https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/10/03/acupuncture-insomnia-and-sleep-disorders RELATED TOPICS
TCM Tea – For Digital Fatigue
TCM Tea – For Digital Fatigue WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share Are you glued to your computers, laptops, handphones, television all day long? You might be impacted by digital fatigue. This type of visual fatigue can set in as quickly as 2 hours. It results in physical discomfort of the eye after prolonged exposure to a digital screen. What are some of the signs of Digital Fatigue? Sore, tired, irritated eyes Difficulty focusing Dry or watery eyes Blurred vision Sensitivity to light How is Digital Fatigue diagnosed in Traditional Chinese Medicine? 1. Liver, Heart Fire Excess (More common among working adults, teenagers, students) : Redness in the eyes Tired or painful eyes Bitterness in the mouth Tension headaches Insomnia Vivid dreams Raised blood pressure Constipation Palpitations Overworked Stress Easily agitated Extreme thirst 2. Liver, Heart Fire Excess (More common among elderly) : Blurred vision Sore and tired eyes Difficulty focusing Watery Eyes Sensitive to light Dizziness Thirst Ringing in the ears Chronic lower back weakness Balding Night sweats Weak knees Are your conditions serious? Come on down for a consultation. Click here to contact us! Article by Physician Leong Weizhen (Founder of Oriental Remedies Group, Singapore), a registered Tradition Chinese Medicine Physician. Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information and educational purposes only. Such medical information may relate to disease, injury, drugs and other treatments, medical devices and/or health products. Medical information does not amount to advice, and if advice is needed an appropriate professional help should be sought. The disclaimer asserts that no warranties or representations are given in respect of the medical information, and that the website operator should not be held liable if a user suffers any injury or loss after relying upon the medical information. RELATED TOPICS
We’re Hiring! TCM Physician wanted!
We’re Hiring! TCM Physician wanted! WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share If you want to be part of a leading healthcare organization providing quality TCM and integrative therapies to improve the lives of patients, look no further! Join us as a TCM Physician today as we expand. TCM Physician (Full Time and Part time) Roles and Responsibilities: Provide TCM consultation and treatments that include herbal prescriptions, acupuncture, tuina, cupping, guasha Be open to learning and mastering integrative technologies from US and Japan that will further help patients’ conditions Participate in business development, including marketing efforts and staff training programmes Any other tasks assigned by the CEO and Chief Medical Officer TCM Health Talks and Outreach Requirements: Registered Physician with TCMPB Bilingual proficiency and Basic computer knowledge Position and remuneration will commensurate with experience and qualifications. Details: Jurong Location Full Time 5.5 days work week including 1 weekend OR Part-Time (Any/all/combination of below) Monday: 10am – 8pm Tues: 6pm – 9pm Wed: 10am – 6pm Sat: 10am – 3pm East Coast Location Full Time 5.5 days work week including 1 weekend OR Part-Time (Any/all/combination of below) Monday: 10am – 8pm Tues: 6pm – 9pm Wed: 10am – 6pm Sat: 10am – 3pm Interested? Click here to contact us today!
Understanding Paediatric Massage
Understanding Paediatric Massage WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share Have you heard of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Paediatric Massage? Paediatric Massage was developed 2300 years ago and has survived the test of time, helping many adorable children get better. As we know, children do not fancy bitter TCM concoction nor painful injections, Paediatric Massage is a gentle way to help children regain their health. With the increasing recognition of preventive health by parents, like yourself, this relaxing and therapeutic approach has gained popularity and is widely accepted by children of all ages. Let’s explore what it is and how it works! We will also be sharing with you simple techniques that you can perform on your child. What is TCM Paediatric Massage? Since ancient times, this traditional treatment method has played an important role in both disease prevention and treatment of ailments. TCM Paediatric Massage relies on principles of TCM, and techniques performed are in strict compliance with clinical diagnosis. As a child has delicate and soft skin, different massage techniques are used compared to adult Tuina Massages. Children also have unique acupoints that consist of areas and linear points. We will be sharing some straightforward techniques that can be easily picked up by you to help with your child’s general wellness as well. Why is TCM Paediatric Massage more popular now? Not only does it bring about great benefits, it is also a safe and efficient treatment. Paediatric Massage is not painful or harsh like Tuina massages usually done on adults – the techniques used are different due to differences in the physiology of children and adults. More importantly, physical touch plays a vital role in healing1 and this gentle form of treatment will be able to keep children free from medical-related stress they would otherwise experience in hospitals or with taking medications. Now let us explain your children’s physiology and the basis of how this massage works in treating your child’s issues. Understanding Children Physiology from TCM perspective The physiology of a child is different from that of an adult in the following aspects: Firstly, their internal Zang-Fu organs are delicate, especially their Lung, Spleen and Kidney, and their physiological functions have yet to fully mature. Therefore it is easier for external pathogens to enter their body and easier for their digestive system to be affected by the food they take in. Secondly, due to the incomplete development of Yin and Yang in their body, there is a higher tendency to see Yin and Yang imbalances in children. Their body’s self-defenses and self-regulation mechanisms are therefore weaker. Disease progression is also fast in children, and may easily progress into more complicated forms within a short period of time. As such, a quick response is vital. While the balance between Yin and Yang in children is delicate and easily upset, it has a tendency to tilt towards Yang. Children have vibrant and rapid growth and physicians in ancient times have pointed out that the body constitution of a child is full of Yang energy, like a rising sun in the morning. Hence, it is common to see “excess Yang, insufficient Yin” body constitution in a child. The advantage of the children’s body is that due to the highly pure and clean state of the body, children are able to heal at a much faster rate, as long as immediate action is taken to combat the problem. What are the benefits of TCM Paediatric Massage? Understanding the children’s physiology, we know that children are more prone to falling sick, and once sick, the disease progresses and worsens rapidly. If the child has strong immunity, the recovery is similarly quick. Essentially, this means fast response is vital and also reflects the importance of preventive measures to strengthen the child’s immunity. TCM Paediatric Massage elicits fast response by directly stimulating related organ systems to correct the issue at hand and is also a safe long term preventive measure for your kids. TCM Paediatric Massage can be used to treat a wide range of diseases in children. In particular, the effects of Pediatric Massage for common pediatric diseases of the respiratory system and digestive system are pronounced, making this a go-to treatment for such problems2. When a child has a disease, it is usually due to disturbance in normal Qi of certain internal Zang-Fu or due to imbalances in Yin and Yang. By massaging a certain part of the child’s body, the corresponding Zang-Fu in the body will be regulated through meridians to help restore the normal flow, thereby achieving healing. Similarly, through correct massage actions, Yin and Yang imbalances can be corrected. With proper diagnosis, this massage treatment is able to target the root of the issues and capable of treating chronic conditions. In addition to the treatment of diseases, Paediatric Massage can also be used to strengthen the health and immunity of the child, improving their body constitution and increasing the child’s resistance against diseases. Modern research has shown that Paediatric Massage has a positive effect on not only the physiological functions of the body but also the psychological functions as well, with a very strong effect on reducing anxiety in children3. Learning simple paediatric massage techniques As mentioned, there are 3 internal organs in the children where Qi deficiency is more prominent, with Spleen being one of the aforementioned organs. The Spleen is responsible for the intake, processing and distribution of nutrients from food, in the form of Essence, that is essential to our body’s function. Deficiency of Spleen-qi in children can result in weaker digestion, causing symptoms such as diarrhoea, poor appetite, indigestion and bloated stomach. As mentioned, there are 3 internal organs in the children where Qi deficiency is more prominent, with Spleen being one of the aforementioned organs. The Spleen is responsible for the intake, processing and distribution of nutrients from food, in the form of Essence, that is essential to our body’s function. Deficiency of Spleen-qi in children can result in weaker digestion, causing symptoms such as diarrhoea, poor appetite, indigestion and bloated stomach. 1) 补脾经 Nourishing the Spleen Meridian Location: On the side of thumb away from the other fingers Action: Brush downwards from the tip of the thumb towards the root of the thumb Frequency:
