Breastmilk is the best for babies. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. After six months of age, infants should receive age-appropriate foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.
What is TCM Paediatric Massage?
TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Paediatric Massage Therapy is one of the oldest specialties within Chinese medicine, with early practises dating back to more than a thousand years. Since that time, the practise has had continuous development and progress in aiding the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in children. Practitioners do this by influencing a child’s energy flow through gentle massage to activate the various points and regulate their Qi.
Why start so young?
According to TCM experts, while children at a young age (around 6 years old and below) are experiencing rapid growth, a lot of their body functions and organs are only still just developing making them more susceptible to illness. TCM massage therapy helps facilitate their body's natural ability to heal during these period to help them recover much faster.
When should I introduce my child to TCM Paediatric Massage Therapy?
TCM Paediatric Massage works best for babies above 6 months old to 12 years of age. However, it is best to start off as early as 6 months as this is the period when the body is still developing.
How does it work?
TCM Practitioners use a variety of manipulation techniques such as pushing, kneading, grasping, pinching, pressing and rotating on certain acupoints to help regulate your child's Qi movement. When done properly, this will help strengthen your child's organ functions and eliminate excess as well as disperse cold spots or clear excessive heat found in your baby's body.
What are the benefits of TCM Paediatric Massage Therapy?
- Helps strengthen the immune system
- Relieves colic, constipation or gas build up
- Helps facilitate food digestions
- Improves sleep patterns
- Improves motor skill and muscle tone development
- Enhances physical and mental growth and development
The therapy is safe, gentle and some paediatric massage techniques are simple and easy to learn, that’s why TCM experts encourage parents to learn and use this practise at home so their child could reap the full benefits and be One Step Ahead.
References:
Physicians Seah Ai Wei & Siah Wai Keat, Thomson Chinese Medicine
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