One of the many wonderful things about living in Singapore – in our humble, frazzled mum opinion – is the easy peasy access to top quality Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Popping out for a quick (but fantastic) massage or acupuncture session is a generally affordable luxury with a bucket load of health benefits! But as mums who think we know a few things about what’s great for kids in this city, we hadn’t considered turning to TCM to help their health and wellness. So, we asked our friends at the well-respected TCM clinic, Eu Yan Sang, whether it’s suitable for our little ones, and we were pleasantly surprised at what we learned about Paediatric Tuina.
What in the world is Tuina?
It’s a little like osteopathy in that it works on the muscle tissues and bones to ensure things are correctly aligned, with the aim of bringing about balance in the body system. Tuina focuses on the energy channels and points, using the same theory as acupuncture, but instead of needles, the physician’s hands and fingers are used.
Why try Paediatric Tuina?
Anyone who’s tried to get a small person to regularly take medication will probably hug you violently if you tell them there’s another way to treat the ailment. That’s a good enough reason in our books, but it may also simply be that you’d rather not turn to Western medication first up. Or you’ve tried Western methods and this time around, they’ve failed you. Whatever the reason, Paediatric Tuina is another viable option to treat illness or just help with general health and wellness. Of course, it’s not recommended for babies aged under six months, so new mums, just wait a little (maybe sneak in a session for yourself – we’re guessing you need it more)!
What kind of ailments can be treated with Paediatric Tuina?
First things first, Paediatric Tuina is not just for kids who are feeling poorly. It can also be used to boost the immune system, therefore improving a little person’s overall health. Having said that, Eu Yan Sang told us more than 80% of their paediatric patients are suffering from digestive and respiratory conditions such as diarrhoea, constipation, cough, flu, allergic rhinitis and asthma. TCM works to treat the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms, with the aim of avoiding a relapse.
What happens in a Tuina session?
Your child’s medical history will be recorded then they’ll be assessed through observation, questioning, pulsing, and perhaps listening and smelling. The physician will make a diagnosis, then it’s onto treatment! Paediatric Tuina involves stimulating specific acupuncture points in order to treat and prevent diseases, as well as encourage growth and brain development in kids. It’s a combination of massage, acupressure and other forms of body manipulation, all working to remove blockages that get in the way of blood circulation and the free flow of qi, or energy flow. The treatment may also include the prescription of herbal medication. Most importantly – at least to the kids –as young VIPs they’ll be sent home with a little gift from the physician. Always a handy sweetener, no matter which medical discipline we’re tackling! The physicians at Eu Yan Sang’s child-friendly clinics are specially hired for their skills in working with children, along with their clinical experience.
How long does it take to work?
As with most health situations, the duration of treatment depends on variables such as the child’s age, physical condition, and the illness being treated. Generally, the physicians at Eu Yan Sang see strong results for chronic cases after five sessions of Paediatric Tuina done once or twice a week. Sometimes, results are seen after just one or two sessions.
Where can it be done?
Eu Yan Sang has a range of clinics that are designated as ‘child-friendly’, meaning there are dedicated play rooms or corners full of toys and books to keep kids happy while they wait, helping to settle nerves and get used to the environment before their consultation. Paediatric Tuina is offered at clinics in Sengkang, Simei, HarbourFront, Jurong East, Dhoby Ghaut, and Tiong Bahru. So it should be easy to book a session not too far from home.
If you’d like to try a Paediatric Tuina session, now’s the time! Until 28 February 2017, just quote “HKids10” at participating Eu Yan Sang TCM clinics to enjoy a trial session for only $38. Terms and conditions apply, so check with your local clinic for full details. Give them a buzz on 1800 225 1887!
This post is sponsored by Eu Yan Sang Integrative Health.