The Physiology of Children

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory for children, skin, hair, muscles, flesh, sinews, bones, brain matter, organs, Qi and blood are constantly in a state of development and are therefore weak and immature.

According to TCM theory, children have a pure Yang constitution, this means that the Yin and Yang energies of the body are not as yet balanced. If Yang is not controlled by Yin it can easily manifest as heat.

Children are more prone to illness than adults and illness progresses through their system more rapidly. According to TCM theory, the three main organs affected by illness in children are Lungs, Spleen and Liver.

• If illness is due to a Lung disorder, then the following symptoms may present: Children are prone to asthma, colds, flu, and allergies.
• If illness is due to a Spleen disorder the following symptoms may present: Children experience vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion and digestive problems.
• If illness is due to a Liver disorder then the following symptoms may present: The sinews of children are under-nourished and they experience spasms.

Children also recuperate very quickly and therefore respond well to light treatment and small doses of herbal medicine.