Assisting children requires flexibility and attentiveness to effectively address complex patterns of disharmony. The presenting complaints – referred to as the branch - are apparent or manifest, while the underlying pattern is called the root.  Open Air focuses on the branch while Deep Breath focuses on the root, the underlying pattern of deficiency. Open Air is primarily composed of herbs that disperse and purge stagnant Qi (energy) combined with a few that supplement deficiencies of Qi and moisture. Deep Breath, on the other hand, addresses patterns of deficiency and counters pote ..read more

Because of the sensitive nature of the digestive system in children, it is common for kids to have digestive upsets that lead to their bowels being occasionally either loose or not moving. When the bowels are not moving, it is helpful to relieve the stagnation of food and stool without excessive moistening or over-stimulation of the bowel. Easy Going enhances digestion and eliminates Qi (energy) stagnation. Easy Going is a modification of Tummy Tamer that, in addition to eliminating food stagnation and accumulation, unbinds the Qi of the intestines. It addresses occasi ..read more

The physical environment for babies and young children can both nurture and challenge their physiological competence during the early years of development. Even a healthy respiratory system can become vulnerable to an array of physical, chemical and biological stressors, including air pollutants, weather changes, microorganisms and allergens such as dust, pollen, mold, animal dander and house dust. Stressors may also include toxins such as second-hand cigarette smoke, insecticides, pesticides, or household cleaning agents and chemical off-gassing from building materials or carpeting ..read more

In our last post, we discussed how the early life of the child is dominated by the activity of growth and how the Middle Burner regulates the functions of the spleen and stomach responsible for the nourishment that feeds the growing process. As the child matures, the vigor and capacity of the lung, heart, kidney and liver will critically depend upon the Qi (life force energy) generated by the spleen and stomach. Not only is the gut responsible for the rapid assimilation of nutrients, but many important immunological mechanisms are also mediated via interactions across the membrane of th ..read more

Many ailments can be linked to what is referred to as Wind in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Disruptive Wind can manifest a multitude of discomforts in children, including the following: Cough, mild fever and chill Sneezing and runny nose Scratchy throat Itchy eyes or skin Stuffy ears Aversion to wind and chill Body ache and irritability Rashes on the head or face Because of the natural reactivity of infants and small children, rebellion is often the motif of their afflictions. Although the defensive Qi (energy) of youngsters is fragile, it is extremely vigorous, manifesting as the sudden ap ..read more

Grow and Thrive is a nutritive tonic containing food-based ingredients. It is an impressive formula because of its dual action as both nourishing and strengthening, boosting the capacity of the spleen and stomach to digest and assimilate food. It fosters robust growth by promoting the adequate assimilation and smooth passage of food through the digestive tract. In so doing, it strengthens the spleen, lung and kidneys, and harmonizes the stomach, supporting healthy growth and development. Underlying most of the challenges facing infants and young children is the immaturity of their digesti ..read more

Because of their natural openness, sensitivity and responsiveness, babies, toddlers and even older children are more likely than adults to become stressed out when they are tired, hungry, frustrated or overexcited. While enthusiastic toward new experiences and learning, children have a limited tolerance for the stressors of daily life. Sometimes all it takes is a little support – a break, a nap, a snack, a cuddle. Other times, they need an extra boost to get them back on track – and that is where Quiet Calm comes in. The mind and nervous system of a young child are rapidly changing along w ..read more

If your little one is experiencing bronchial irritation or congestion, then try Gentle Warriors Chest Relief. Whether it’s due a lingering cold or flu, virus, allergies, or a bronchial infection, the chest can tighten as phlegm builds up in the lungs, causing a disruption to the energy (Qi) and overall balance of health. Bronchial issues can be further aggravated or triggered by drafts, change of position, fatigue, cold or hot foods and liquids, fluctuations in temperature or humidity, dryness or thirst. If symptoms are allowed to continue for a prolonged period of time, this can lead to dryn ..read more

Formulated by Harriet Beinfield, LAc, and Efrem Korngold, LAc, OMD, co-authors of the best-selling book Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine, Gentle Warriors Pediatric Formulas is a unique line of Chinese herbal prescriptions that should be in every parent’s medicinal arsenal! There are 16 tinctures in total, providing safe and effective pediatric care for all manner of health situations. All are mild-tasting, low-alcohol, liquid extracts that are easy for children to swallow – though adults benefit from them as well! These formulas support and protect the welfare of children ..read more