With all of the other current stresses: your job, the economy, the in-laws, etc. it can seem insurmountable to add to that children who just won’t behave. Then the question becomes, what can I do about it?
What many parents don’t realize is that there is a great deal that can be done with acupuncture and Chinese medicine to help children with behavioral issues. Children are actually easier to treat and quicker to respond than adults. The same conditions acupuncture treats in adults, such as depression, difficulty focusing, insomnia, excessive nightmares, hyperactivity, poor impulse control can also be treated in children. Treatment can at times replace the need for medication or lessen the dosage. (In cases where a child is on medication, the overseeing physician will need to work with the acupuncturist and any other health professionals.)
Treatment for children often involves electro-stimulation with or without needles depending on the child and severity of the condition. Ear acupressure, where tiny magnets are placed on specific points on the ear, diet therapy, and Chinese herbs are also given.
Aside from more serious issues, it is important to remember that children are very sensitive to their environment. All of the stresses you feel they are feeling as well, but with less ability to cope properly. There are a few tricks you can use at home that will remedy more minor behavior issues.
Acupressure, or massaging specific points on the body, is very helpful to calm the mind as well as increase the bond between parent and child. The area between the eyes, what we call "Yin Tang" is very effective to quiet the mind. Simply begin at the bridge of the nose and use slow, firm pressure with your finger and slide up to the hairline. Repeat 3 times. Then place both thumbs between the eyebrows and slowly press out to the temples. Return to the center, but slightly higher than the eyebrows this time, and gently press out to the hairline. Repeat, moving slightly higher each time until you have covered the whole forward. You can finish with a little scalp rub. The key is to have calm energy yourself, and to move slowly and deliberately. You are not only stimulating the acupressure points, you are teaching your child how to stay calm in a stressful situation.
Massaging the feet helps to ground the energy of the body. It is perfect right before bed to promote restful sleep. It is also used for headaches and hyperactivity. Rub the feet using firm, slow pressure. End with Kidney 1, located on the sole of the foot. It is in the center of the foot, just under the ball of the foot (I will send you diagrams of the points). Kidney 1 is the most grounding point on the body and is excellent to calm the energy down when someone is stressed or fearful.
An easy tea to relieve stress is made from rose buds (Mei Gui Hua). Bring a cup and a half of water to a boil. Remove from heat. Put a handful of rose buds in the water, cover and steep for ten minutes. Another easy tea is made from the flowers of the Floss Silk tree (He Huan Hua) which are prevalent in Southern California. Use the same procedure as for the rose buds. These teas are very safe and can be taken as often as needed.
