Traditional Chinese Medicine - Article Example

In the past two decades, the American population has increasingly resorted to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for treatment of certain medical conditions. According to a nationwide survey made by Stone and Matthews in 1996, thirty-eight percent of 31,000 American adults resorted to some form of CAM in the previous 12 months. This excludes the use of prayer and megavitamins which will raise the figures to 62% ( Stone & Matthews, 1996, p.64 .). The website of Osher Center for Integrative medicine defined CAM as “broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies that mainstream Western (conventional) medicine does not commonly use, accept, study, understand, or make available.” It also stated that CAM on its own can be an alternative to orthodox therapies or as a supplement to mainstream medicine whit the purpose of alleviating conditions and/ or promote healthy lifestyle. A good example of CAM would be Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has its beginnings in China for more than thousands of years. According to the National Institutes of Health, TCM “ is considered is considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the United States”. TCM employs different treatments such as massage, herbal remedies, moxibustion, cupping and acupuncture. However, the purpose of this discussion to enlighten the public on the role of TCM in addressing pediatric and adolescents issues, particularly musculoskeletal problems. The developmental stage of childhood up to adolescence presents a challenge to Orthopedic practitioners. The National Center for Health Statistics, in its National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey in 2003 revealed that “no less than 8 million children under 20 musculoskeletal injuries in 2003 “. It is no wonder then that childhood musculoskeletal injuries are seriously considered as a major problem by The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). The musculoskeletal problems can be grouped into two categories: congenital or developmental. Developmental conditions are usually attributed to injuries which stems from childhood obesity and lack of inactivity. On the other hand, excessive physical activity from sports activities can also cause problems. Moreover, diseases and infections can also contribute to the development of musculoskeletal problems in children and adolescents. For some years now, TCM has contributed in aiding pediatric cases as well as adolescents with musculoskeletal problems. The following areas of TCM illustrate the benefits of the treatment to children and adolescents: Acupuncture Acupuncture is one of the most popular TCM treatment. In a study made by Jindal, Ge, and Mansky in 2008 it was concluded that “overall, acupuncture is applicable to the pediatric population”. The study revealed the efficacy of acupuncture in managing postoperative symptoms among children as well as lessening the incidence of nausea and pain after chemotherapy .There is evidence for its efficacy in postoperative symptoms management and strong potential for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and pain. Acupuncture can also help alleviate pain especially in sport-related injuries among children. The journal Dynamic Chiropractic ( vol. 27, 2007) revealed that no less than 30 million children have participated in either organized or unorganized sports. Indeed, children have become more active nowadays as schools promote sports activities. Unfortunately ,in a study made by Patel (2001) it was reported that high school students became more active in sports thereby leading to” a 25 percent to 30 percent of the total injuries in that age group, while unorganized sports account for 40 percent”. Active participation in sports can result to chronic overuse of muscles which leads to injuries. Even if adolescents know how to properly use equipment, constant pounding and straining of muscles leads to microfiber injuries. Case in point would be that of young gymnasts like Nastia Lukin who subscribe to weekly acupuncture treatments. Aside from acupuncture, this bemedaled 18 year-old gymnast also subscribes to massage to complement her rigorous training. Massage Massage is one form of TCM that has been widely accepted even by medical professionals nowadays. There were several studies made which concluded that massage can alleviate chronic pain, calm down an anxious person, reduce depression and even boost the immune system. Dr. Hui of East-West Center of UCLA believes that , “Massage is a very important therapeutic approach which is underutilized and under-appreciated” since it not only reduce pain but let the body trigger its own healing system ( “Can Massage Cure You?”). In children’s cases, especially that of autistic children, there is substantial literature to prove that massage therapy plays a role in improving behavior of autistic children ( Ecalona,et.al). Thus, massage is not only suited for pain management but also for improving behavior of children in special cases. Tui Na Massage A special type of massage known as Tui Na is being extensively used all over the world. It is the same like chiropractic therapy or physical therapy with some variations in tune with the wisdom of the Chinese medical practitioners. When some part or muscle deviates from the proper place allotted to it within the body, an individual suffers from acute pain. The application of Tui Na massage is to restore the status-quo-ante, to that part/muscle to recoup original ‘balance’ in the functions of the body. Tui Na means to push and pull. “The process uses active and passive stretching techniques to correct any physical abnormalities, such as misalignments in the spine, knots in the shoulders and back, or sprains and strains. The process can help to relieve pain, inflammation, or swelling in the joints, shoulders, back, hips and thighs, or legs. Tui-na is also used or pediatric message for it is considered a gentle and safe treatment. Usually, this Chinese pediatric massage is beneficial for treating children up to eight years of age. When applied to children at an earlier age, the results could be better. According to Robert Helmer, a TCM practitioner in Canada: “combinations of specific massage techniques for the purpose of rebalancing particular patterns of disharmony within the child. Usually, a Chinese pediatric massage treatment will last 20-30 minutes and most techniques are performed while the child is clothed. The frequency of massage depends on whether the condition is chronic or acute. Pediatric Tui-na is soothing and relaxing for the child and does not cause pain or discomfort. “( TCM for Children, 2004). Indeed, Tui-Na massage can be applied by parents to their children which not only soothes them but offer real pain management. In conclusion, TCM is a type of CAM that people subscribe to for treatment of some medical conditions. Although TCM has been existing for thousands of years in the East, it was only in a few decades that western people accepted its therapeutic benefits. Types of TCM include acupuncture, massage, Tui Na massage as well as herbal medicine. Fortunately, there has been substantial literature suggesting the application of these treatments for children and adolescents whether it be pain management, musculoskeletal disorders or behavior modification. In the future, more people would seek TCM as a paradigm shift towards alternative therapy which is more holistic and natural. References Christensen, K. (2007)Sports-Related Extremity Injuries in Young Athletes. Dynamic Chiropractic. Vol.27. No.25. April 2007. Retrieved from http://www.dynamic chiropractic. com /mpacms /dc/article.php?id=52137 on Nov15 2009. Denton-RC.com.For Nastia Liukin, nine gymnastics medals arent enough. June 20,2008. Retrieved from http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/lifetravel/stories/DN-looks_nastia_0624liv.State.Edition1.1c730e0.html Escalona A, Field T, Singer-Strunck R, Cullen C, Hartshorn K. Brief report: improvements in the behavior of children with autism following massage therapy. ( Abstract ). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11794416?dopt=Abstract on Nov 13 2009. Helmer, R. ( 2004 )TCM for Children. Vitality Magazine. December issue. Retrieved from http://www.vitalitymagazine.com /node/302 on Nov 18 2009. Jindal V., Ge M.,. Mansky P., Safety and Efficacy of Acupuncture in Children: A Review of the Evidence. ( 2008) Retrieved from http://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/ entrez/eutils /elink.fcgi? dbfrom=pubmed&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=18525459 on Nov 15 2009. National Center for Health Statistics, National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 2003. Stone, J. and Matthews, J. (1996) Complementary Medicine and the Law. Oxford University Press: Oxford. UCLA Center for East-West Medicine. How Strong is the Power of Touch? Can Massage "Cure" You?  Retrieved from http://www2.healthcare.ucla.edu/international/ newsletter/ oct05.htm on Nov 10 2009. Read More