Oriental Medicine provides a safe and natural means for treating and preventing most common childhood conditions. As an Oriental Medical professional with a specialization in pediatrics, I have seen many children respond quickly to this holistic therapy. I would like to tell you more about this unique approach to caring for children and how it could be of help with some of the issues your children may be dealing with during this long cold New England winter.

What makes Oriental Medicine so unique is our view of what we call the “root” and the “branch.” The “branch” refers to the external symptoms that your child exhibits when they get sick. During this time of year it may be a cough, runny nose, ear infection etc. We believe it is important to always treat the “branch” symptoms because these are what cause your child such discomfort. However, we also know that the “root” or underlying imbalances must also be treated in order for a complete recovery to be made and the disease to not recur or progress. I have found that this approach not only provides the quickest results but also the most long lasting. 

Another unique aspect of our medicine is a focus on prevention. Whether your child is dealing with chronic sore throats, recurrent ear infection or spring time allergies there are preventative measures that can be taken now that can help to reduce or eliminate these issues. I have seen and heard from so many parents who dread cold and flu season, the beginning of the school year, or the first hint of pollen in the air because they know how much their children can be affected during these times. However, Oriental Medicine can help to change these patterns and build up your child's system so that they can weather these times much easier.

In my practice I utilize a number of tools to help keep children happy and healthy. These include Chinese Herbal Medicine, Shonishin (a non-needle form of Japanese acupuncture), acupressure massage, and dietary therapy. Chinese herbal Medicine is often a mainstay of treatment for many children. It is safe and effective for long term use in chronic conditions and quick acting for acute problems such as colds or a cough. I primarily utilize tinctures or liquid extracts of herbal preparations. The reason for this is that they are convenient, easy to administer and relatively inexpensive. All of the herbal medicine preparations we use comply to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) which is a worldwide standard of quality control. All of the processing of the herbs is done in pharmaceutical grade facilities and further testing is carried out in FDA approved laboratories. Al of this is done to with a commitment to excellence and safety.

As we are now fully immersed in winter, it is time to take advantage of what Oriental Medicine has to offer. Whether it is a cold that is dragging on too long, a stubborn cough or multiple ear infections Oriental Medicine may have some answers. Also, with spring quickly approaching (we hope) now is the time to begin proactive preventative treatment for springtime allergies. Should you have questions on these or other conditions I can be reached here at First Health and look forward to consulting with you about your child.

- Jason Henson, MAOM, L.Ac.

Pediatric Wellness Initiative