Chinese Medicine Classes for Parents

Pediatric tuina massage, or Chinese infant massage, has been used for thousands of years in the East to keep kids healthy and treat illness. This type of massage is largely unknown in the West and it is my sincere hope to change that! I want parents and practitioners to learn and use pediatric tuina massage to benefit their own children and then pass down this powerful tool down to their own kids and grandkids. Massage for Wellness Using Chinese pediatric massage on your infant or child every night can stimulate the body to heal itself and correct minor imbalances before they become major problems. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the foundation of a healthy immune system is built upon the food the child eats, and the nutrients derived from it. Therefore, many of the techniques recommended for general wellness focus on strengthening the digestive system. Tuina massage is safe to use in newborns, infants, toddlers, and children up to age 12, although it is most effective in children 5 and under. Massage for wellness should be done once daily. In addition to massage, you might want to explore other ways you can do to keep your kids healthy by reading my post: Flu-Proof Your Kid: 5 Ways to Do It Naturally Before you get started, make sure the room where you will do the massage is warm, your nails are trimmed and you have something like talcum powder or massage oil to prevent chafing. If you’re new to Chinese massage be sure to read the instructions below this video.   Massage Instructions Most of these techniques recommend rubbing 100 – 500 times which seems like a lot. However, these massage techniques are rapidly repeated so it only takes 45 seconds to a few minutes to massage each area fully.  Sometimes it’s easier to use a timer to keep track of how long you’ve been massaging than how many times you’ve rubbed the spot.  Step 1: Line Pressing on the Thumb Start at the lateral or outer part of the thumb next to the tip of the fingernail and rub in a downward direction towards the base of the thumb where it meets the wrist.  When you get to the wrist lift and repeat.  This massage supports the entire digestive system and promotes overall wellness. For ages infant to 2 years rub 100 – 200 times For ages 2 – 5 years rub 200 – 300 times For ages 6 – 12 rub 400-500 times   Step 2: Circle Rubbing on the Palm This is another general massage technique for harmonizing the organ networks in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  This massage is used for almost every condition your child may have because it helps to restore balance and helps strengthen the body overall.  Looking at the palm you’ll see how the inner portion forms a depression.  Using your thumb, rub the palm of the hand in a counter-clockwise circular direction on the outer border of the depression.   Talcum powder is very helpful at preventing chafing and allowing you to repeat this massage rapidly. For ages infant to 2 years rub 100 times For ages 2 – 5 years rub 200 times For ages 6 – 12 rub 300 times   Step 3: Circle Rubbing on the Abdomen – Clockwise Rubbing the abdomen around the belly button in a clockwise manner with your four fingers or palm of hand promotes proper digestion and elimination which is the foundation of a healthy immune system. For ages infant to 2 years rub 100 times For ages 2 – 5 years rub 200 times For ages 6 – 12 rub 300 times   Step 4: Kneading Stomach 36 This is one of my favorite points for supporting digestion which in turn supports a healthy immune system and supports normal energy levels.  Starting below the kneecap, place the equivalent distance of your child’s four fingers (pinky – index finger) on the lateral side of the leg and find the point just below this.  The tissue at this point dips in a little so you’ll know when you’ve found it. For ages infant to 2 years rub 100 times For ages 2 – 5 years rub 200 times For ages 6 – 12 rub 300 times   Step 5: Spinal Roll Massage on the Back This massage can be done for general wellness when done along the entire spine.  When focused on the muscles next to the lumbar spine down to the top of the sacrum it will help stimulate all the acupuncture points associated with the bowels. Gently but firmly “pinch” the muscle tissue between your thumb and forefinger and as you push your thumbs forward towards the lumbar spine, continue to pull down and “pinch” the muscle tissue.  The best way to understand this one is to watch the Wellness Massage Video. Do this massage 100 – 300 times or until the skin “pinks up.”   Download the Complete Guide Below:

Before we go any further, I wanted to share with you, AcuPatching™. It's a revolutionary technique that stimulates acupoints with light therapy patching technology to help resolve symptoms!  It has a similar therapeutic effect as acupuncture, but without any needles and it can be done at home. It's a safe, effective, non-transdermal technique of stimulating acupoints to help adults and children feel better!  And it can be used for just about any condition where acupuncture would be appropriate: Minor injuries Pain Cough, Colds, Infections Asthma, Allergies Digestive Problems Acne Aging Skin Really the list goes on! In this video, I explain exactly how AcuPatching works and it will get you ready for the next lesson as well! Learn More About AcuPatching™

In this video, I will teach you two of the BEST, most POWERFUL acupuncture points (or acupoints) for immunity. These acupoints strengthen your immune system (also known as Wei Qi in Chinese Medicine) so that your body will be better equipped to stay well and fight off illness. There are 2 ways to stimulate these acupuncture points at home. First, with acupressure, and second, with AcuPatching™. Acupressure involves using your hand to apply pressure to points and AcuPatching™ takes that to the next level by using transdermal light therapy technology for added power and benefits. These 2 points will be useful throughout the cold and flu season - or year-round! Learn More about AcuPatching™

Pediatric Gua Sha, also known as Scraping Massage is one of my favorite techniques to use for kids ages 5 and up. Kids love this technique because it feels so good. It’s great for treating allergies, flu, coughs, colds and fever and most kids respond really quickly, especially when used in addition to regular pediatric acupuncture treatments. What is Gua Sha, or Scraping Massage? Don’t be afraid of the name, scraping massage feels really good! Most kids love it and once they know what it is, many come into my office asking for their gua sha treatment! I like to teach parents because it’s so effective, easy, and fun to do. Gua sha is a type of massage done by using a special tool on specific areas of the body to increase blood flow and stimulate as well as regulate the immune system.* Here is What You Will Need To Do This Technique: 1. Oil:  In younger children, I use almond, coconut, or jojoba oils. In older kids, I often use a special Chinese oil called Po Som On that has peppermint, cinnamon, and other essential oils infused into it. 2. Gua Sha Tool: This is an easy to hold jade tool that you can find online or in your local acupuncturist office. You can see what it looks like in the pictures below and in the video, too.  You can buy a top-quality Gua Sha tool like the one in the photos by clicking here.    Gua Sha or Scraping Massage Is Easy and Fun and it Feels Good- Here’s How To Do it: First, put a layer of oil on your kid’s upper back focusing on the area on both sides of the spine between the spine and the shoulder blade Using a firm, but gentle pressure, rub the edge of the gua aha tool down the fleshy area on one side of the spine until it starts to turn light pink Then move to the other side of the spine and repeat You can go back and forth between the two sides until the skin there is pink Remember, this should feel good! Here are Some Extra Tips for Success: • Use a firm but gentle pressure • Be sure to check in often with your child to see how the pressure is • Watch body language – if they squirm the pressure is probably too hard • Change sides periodically so one side doesn’t get sore • Aim for turning the skin pink on white skin or darker color on dark skin With a little practice, you'll be a pro before you know it.  This technique can also be used on adults with upper respiratory conditions and tight neck and shoulder muscles.  

Download our free ebook which will teach you how to do acupressure on the 7 most powerful points in the body to address sleep, cough, cold and digestive symptoms.

As much as we want to prevent our kids from getting sick, they need to get sick then get healthy! That's how our children build a strong immune system. But, that doesn't mean we're powerless to help our kids if they do get sick. Chinese pediatric herbal formulas are another great tool to have in your medicine bag.   Chinese herbal formulas are incredibly safe and effective. Their safety record far surpasses that of children's Tylenol and OTC cough medicines and pretty much most drugs! Herbal formulas for cold and cough are designed to: Boost your child's immunity & prevent illness Reduce the severity of cold symptoms Help your child overcome an upper respiratory illness in a timely manner   Top 6 Chinese Herbal Formulas Every Parent Should Have on Hand It never fails that kids get sick late at night when it's inconvenient to run to the health food store and grab some herbs! That's why at the beginning of each fall I recommend parents stock up on the most common Chinese herbal formulas for treating cold and cough. Then you'll have exactly what you need when you need it! You don't have to wait a couple of days for it to be delivered or make an unnecessary trip to the store with a sick kid. The Chinese pediatric herbal formulas in this post are pleasant tasting and easy for kids to take. They are intended for children over 1 year of age. Be sure to check ingredients if your child has food allergies to ensure there's nothing in the formula they're allergic to. All the formulas listed in this post are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO. For proper dosing, follow the instructions on the bottle or watch my "How To" Videos.   Start with a Daily Immunity Booster We recommend kids take a daily formula to boost immunity and prevent illness. It's best to start using an immunity-boosting formula prior to school starting and throughout the school year to strengthen your child's immune defenses!   1. Little Sentinel Tincture Little Sentinel liquid is based on a classic Chinese formula called Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. It features the herbal powerhouse Huang Qi, also known as Astragalus, which has been shown in research to support the immune system and enhance T-cell and macrophage activity. Astragalus has been used for several hundred years to boost immunity! It is joined by herbs to help strengthen digestion and support healthy growth and development. All of which complement and strengthen the effects of Astragalus.   Add-On a Potent Anti-Viral Throat Spray   2. Daily Biocidin Throat Spray - Stop It at the Source Biocidin Throat spray contains 11 herbs that have a broad spectrum action against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The throat is said to be a "locus of infection", in other words, it's the place where viruses like to hang out and multiply eventually causing an upper respiratory infection. Addressing this area directly with a couple of sprays of Biocidin Throat Spray before and after school is an important part of supporting healthy respiration.   Then, at the First Sign of Illness Stop Little Sentinel and Add Herbs to Resolve Your Child's Symptoms Look for signs such as cranky behavior, easy to tears, irritability, clinginess, and fatigue. These are often the first signs that your child is fighting a cold or viral infection. If you suspect your child is coming down with an illness, start herbs immediately!! The sooner you start the higher the chance you can avert a full-blown cold. Choose Your Formula According to Your Child's Symptoms:   3. Throat Soothe - Sore Throats & Runny Noses This herbal formula is based on the classical Chinese herbal formula Yin Qiao San. Yin Qiao is designed to help with a sore throat, nasal congestion, and fever. In addition, the formula contains Mulberry Leaf, Honeysuckle Flower, and Isatis to provide additional anti-viral support. Click Here to Purchase.   4. Sino Relief - Mucus, Sinus Congestion, Swollen Adenoids & Throat Sino Relief helps with colds that where excess mucus that fills the sinuses and causes the nose to be stopped up making it difficult to breathe or swallow. This formula is traditionally used for inflammation and congestion of the sinuses, throat, adenoids, and tonsils.   5. Chest Release for a Productive Cough Chest Release is traditionally used for chest infection and cough that accompanies the common cold and/or ear infections. The herbs are known to help with wet cough with phlegm that is yellow, white or clear.   6. Breathe Easy - Asthma, Cough, and Wheezing This formula is traditionally used to ease the symptoms of wheezing and cough associated with asthma in children. It helps with chronic allergic asthma, breathlessness, and/or wheezing. It is based on the classical formula Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang or Perilla Restoring Descending of Qi Decoction.     Get 'Em All With the Winter Wellness Bundle    Stock up for the cold and flu season by getting a Winter Wellness Bundle and you'll not only save an extra trip to the store, you'll save a little money, too!      This bundle includes the 4 BEST Chinese herbal formulas listed here, plus you can customize by adding additional formulas for your child's unique needs at a discount.     Maximizing Chinese Herbal Formula Effectiveness To make sure your child gets the most benefit from herbs, be sure to give them to your child at least 3 to 5 times per day. Herbs are rapidly metabolized by the body and will be out of your child's system within hours. That's why, during an acute illness, it's important to have your child take herbs every few hours. It is safe to combine formulas if your child has more than one symptom. For instance, if your child has a cough and lots of nasal congestion you can combine Chest Release plus Sino Relief to treat both conditions. If you're unsure of what to give your child, seek the advice of a licensed acupuncturist & herbalist. You can find one in her Kids Love Acupuncture Directory. Or you can schedule a remote session with Robin.  

Traditional Chinese medicine techniques work incredibly well to address and resolve a cough. Below, you'll find the instructional video with all six massage techniques to stop a cough no matter what kind your child has.  For maximum effectiveness, the massage below should be performed 2-3 times per day for several days along with following the recommendations, herbs, and recipes outlined in the Stop Cough Guide. Healing takes time, so be patient with the process. But you should start to see improvement shortly! Warmly, Robin Download the Stop Cough Guide Below:

If you want to know what else to do to help your child, wonder what the next step is, or you KNOW there has to be a better way, then the Holistic Advice Line is perfect for parents like you! When your child is suffering physically or emotionally, it affects the entire family. You want to address things naturally, but sometimes there's no one in your area to turn to. Your doctor may not know how to help beyond conventional medical treatment. All you need is a little coaching on what to do next or some strategies to address the problem that will support your child's body. As a mother of two boys and a pediatric acupuncture specialist, I've been there! I have been successfully treating kids for 16 years with one of the oldest holistic medicine systems in existence - traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). I teach parents to use Chinese medicine at home along with modern tools, like phototherapy patching. In this way, you can address your child's health problems while activating and supporting the body's innate healing mechanisms. Best of all, it's not either/or -- TCM works in conjunction with Western medical therapies! I offer holistic coaching for parents over phone or Zoom to help you find natural-minded solutions to common kids' problems. I can give you a fresh perspective to help you address whatever is going with your child - body, mind, and spirit Learn More About Working with Me