Pediatric+Teething

=Teething= Not listed as a disease in TCM pediatric books. It is considered part of a child’s natural maturation process. Teething may be accompanied by pain and even fever. Cheng shu which is to mature or ripen happens in fits and starts. Rapid growth and then quiescence occurs with children. This occurs in children with a transient heat syndrome. With mild syndromes and not too high a fever, Suan Zao Ren Tang can be used. If there is no infection this will be sufficient.

Acupuncture: Li4, St36

Herbs: (Suan Zao Ren, Fu Ling, Chuan Xiong, Zhi Mu, Gan Cao)

I watch for food allergens – solid food introduction schedule. In the Middle East star anise tea is use, it works really well – also for colic. Homeopathic Chamomile or Pulsatilla (Hylands’ Teething Tabs) won’t hurt. Bach Flower Remedies have worked for my babies’ too. Chickweed and burdock root reduce inflamed gums –herbal tinctures rubbed on the gums. Of course, brandy can also be used. Chamomile, catnip, and lemon balm ¼ oz tincture each (can also add lavender). Mix with ¼ oz glycerin, 20 drops every 2 hr. Clove oil diluted 50% with almond oil topically – pain relief. Frozen chew toys. Homeopathics : Chamomile, Pulsatilla, Nux, Nat Mur….

Take wash cloth and get it wet. Squeeze out the excess water and put it in a plastic bag. Throw the bag in the freezer for approximately five minutes. Take the rag out of the bag and let your infant chew and suck on it. My daughter loved this one, and it doubles as a drool catcher! BONUS!

Teething rings are a great thing. Pop in the freezer for 5 minutes, like the wash cloth. This is a little less messy or time consuming than the wash rag. Like the teething rings, if your child takes a pacifier, you can put those in the freezer for a cool chew as well.

Massaging a child's gums is another great way of giving them a little relief. They already like to chew on fingers, so you might as well put it to good use. The massaging equalizes the pressure the tooth is creating on the gums. When I was getting my wisdom teeth, I loved applying pressure to the gums back there, so you know your children would love it, too! Just make sure that finger is clean!

It is possible to purchase those over the counter pain gels for your infant's gums. I found that it only relieved the pain very briefly and was not worth the expense.

Depending on your child's age, you can use teething cookies for your child to slobber on. I tried these with my son, and although he loved them, I thought they were the biggest mess and created more of a headache than my screaming child! Depending on your desperation level, I didn't feel they were worth the enormous clean up!

Treatment Options:
Tui Na – food damage Drooling:(1st finger – Li) Thumb / thenar– Spleen Little finger – Si Palm Yin pond, yang pond Back of hand – Yang Belly circles Sacrum Back PC channel- Milky way (milk stagnation) St 36