Chinese Herbal Medicine and Dietary Therapy for Children

Traditional Chinese Medicine is an effective treatment option for children who are under stress, susceptible to getting sick or recovering from an injury.  In our practice, we regularly see children whose parents are seeking a more integrative approach to their children’s healthcare.  Acupuncture and TCM can help families manage many conditions, including:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Diarrhea
• Eczema
• Hyperactivity
• Constipation
• Common cold
• Cough
• Ear infection

Each child is unique. It is important to choose foods for your child that are good for their individual body, not necessarily those that are the most popular or trending. Dietary therapy is curative, meaning it works to solve the problem rather than just make the symptoms go away without treating the condition.

Tips for Starting Dietary Therapy

The following tips will help you get started on a kid-friendly TCM diet.

• Eat as fresh as possible, including in-season and locally-produced foods
• Focus on plant-based foods with more vegetables, grains, and fruits
• Keep eggs, meat, and dairy products to a minimum
• Warm foods are easier to digest, so try to cook most of the menu
• Avoid giving young children cold or raw foods
• Emphasize colorful foods because of their health benefits
• Eat consistently on a schedule with the biggest meal in the morning

What Foods Should My Child Avoid?

Each child is unique and specific dietary changes can be recommended after an in office visit. However, Generally speaking, there are some foods to limit when following guidelines of a TCM based diet. They include anything super sweet like juice, processed fruit snacks and flavored yogurts. For those children with sensitive stomachs, be aware of combining sweetness with cold temperature foods such as ice cream. Healthy alternatives include warmed applesauce with a little cinnamon or other fruit or vegetable snacks.

For an individualized plan that will meet your child’s particular needs, contact Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine to schedule an appointment.