A New Start Day 10 (TK PAPA LAM)

Ok, here's the findings of TCM to help TK.

1. According to Jake Paul Fratkin,, Chinese herbal medicine is very effective for infants and small children, yet many acupuncture/TCM practitioners remain wary of treating children.

2. Children's qi and yang helps their recovery which helps in treating the root cause as contrast to western medicine.

3. "In the main, formulas used for children are the same as those used for adults. That is
to say, children do not require special formulas for common conditions. Determining the
correct syndrome differentiation is important. There are certain points one considers in
giving herbs to infants and toddlers. Avoid very strong herbs, such as herbs that are too
pungent, bitter, warming, cooling or moving. A gentler approach is usually successful.
Also, it is recommended that in acute conditions with infants and toddlers, one can
discontinue the treatment as soon as improvement is noticed. Momentum should take
the child to complete recovery," Jake Paul Fratkin

4. Dosing considerations: Dosing can be done by age. Whether giving powder, liquid or
pills, the Chinese texts make these recommendations:
Newborns: 1/6 adult dosage
Babies: 1/3 - 1/2 adult dosage
Young children (ages 2 to 5): 1/2 - 2/3 adult dosage
School children: same as adults

Take one-half to one teaspoon of powder.
Add a small amount of boiling water, enough to make a dark liquid that is not too
watery, thick or pasty. Filter through a metal mesh strainer. From this liquid, use a
pediatric syringe and give the following dose:
Infants: 1-2 ml/cc
1 to 2 years: 2-3 ml/cc
2 to 3 years: 3-4 ml/cc
3 to 5 years: 4-5 ml/cc
Over 5 years: 6 ml/cc or one tsp

5. Common clinical illnesses: For many practitioners, treatment of infants, toddlers and
children revolves around acute conditions. The most common conditions for infants are
colic, fever, cough and vomiting. As children get older, one treats common cold, fever,
cough, headache and stomach ache.