WellBaby Program – Pediatric Care
As the parent of a newborn, you want to do everything you can to support the good health and proper development of your baby.
We have created the WellBaby Program to provide a natural healthcare option during this foundational year of your child’s life, at costs which are affordable.
About Chinese Medicine Pediatrics
Chinese Medicine has recognized pediatrics as a unique branch of medicine since 200 B.C.
Chinese Medicine Pediatrics has been developed and refined over thousands of years. We are aware of the rhythms and patterns of the natural development of a baby’s life and the patterns of disharmony that cause dis-ease. We can support health and/or help even little bodies to fight off and recover from illness.
The body is always expressing itself and has a language all its own. This is the language of Chinese Medicine.
We observe patterns of signs and symptoms that clue us in to what aspect of the body needs support. We take into consideration the constitution of your child, his or her stage of development, and the nature of any imbalance or infection.
We may find that the digestive energy is weak and food has accumulated, or there is an imbalance in the function of an organ system, or there are residual effects left over from an infection.
What can Chinese Medicine help with?
Chinese Medicine excels at many of the acute conditions of infants, such as: colic, teething, abdominal pain, sleep disturbance, earaches, conjunctivitis, infections, pre-and post-vaccination support, and autism spectrum disorders.
Along with providing relief from a particular condition, treatment can result in a stronger, healthier child, less use of medications, and can prevent troubles that might have shown up months, years, or even decades down the road.
It is this ability to see the underlying patterns and roots of disease before they develop that is part of the wisdom and power of Chinese Medicine. This provides a huge opportunity to improve lifelong health through treating children.
What should I expect at a treatment?
It is important to us that we provide a nurturing, supportive environment for the parent and child. Establishing trust and clear communication allows us to best understand the needs of your child and to recognize any changes that require treatment. After gathering a health history and diagnosing your child according to Chinese Medicine we will treat your child. Some of the therapies may include: acupuncture, massage, magnets, essential oils, liniments, heat/moxa therapy, diet, and herbal therapy.
Much fear of needles develops when children experience hypodermic needles from blood draws or vaccinations. Acupuncture needles are very different. Acupuncture needles are as thin as a cat’s whisker. We typically use between one and four needles in a treatment. Your child may feel a slight sting with the needles, or they may not notice the needles at all.
The good news is that children respond so well to acupuncture, that even the gentlest of treatments can be very powerful. Also we are able to utilize other less invasive methods to stimulate acupuncture points such as acupressure, tui na, scraping, essential oils, infant massage, heat and dietary counseling.
How often should my child be seen?
Pediatric treatment is best when done preventively and consistently.
Our recommendation for care in the WellBaby Program is to come once a month during baby’s first year. This allows us to get to know you and your child, to support the natural growth process and immunity, and to help prevent potential problems. If your baby is colicky, teething, fighting an infection, coming in before and after vaccinations or has other health issues, they may need to be seen more often.
We will individualize the plan according to your baby’s needs. Getting to know and support your child during the WellBaby visits lays a strong foundation for health.
