01 Jun The Unique Characteristics of Paediatric Physiology
In children the viscera and bowels are weak, and not complete. Brain and marrow are not secure. The energy of these organs is not full. Children’s flesh is fragile and blood is scanty.
Children are susceptible to disease but things change quickly for them too. They are prone to getting sick more easily than adults. They progress out of their disease more rapidly
The 3 main viscera responsible for the majority of paediatric diseases:
1.The Lungs 2. The Spleen 3. The Liver
The Lungs: children’s defensive energy is not secure therefore external pathogens easily enter the interior and assail the lungs. The defensive energy is controlled by the lungs and if pathogens obstruct the free flow of defensive energy, symptoms could be: muscular aches, pain and fever. Lungs are immature in children and this explains why children are prone to colds, cough, asthma, bronchitis and allergies
The Spleen: The spleen does the transportation and transformation of the grains and liquids.
Digestion in children is weak. Many symptoms are reflective of this weakness: vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, and food stagnation. This stagnation gives rise to Heat and this heat can congeal the phlegm (which is a by product of a weak digestion)
The Liver: The Liver blood may be scanty and not enough to nourish the ligaments and sinews, then they may contract (spasms.) Heat in the Liver can be presented with Constipation in the child
15 Steps in a Paediatric Diagnosis
11 of these 15 steps have to do with Looking or Inspection
The practitioner looks at the baby’s eyes and facial colour, the colour of their hands and nails, the colour, size and shape of the vain at the base of the index finger.
Inspecting the Spirit or state of Mind
If the eyes are clear and shiny and there is awareness then the disease is not serious. But if eyes are dull and there’s lack of awareness then the disease has become serious
Facial complexion
Red: Pink facial complexion, lustrous or shiny is healthy. If complexion is redder then there is Heat
Pale: This means there is lack or energy or yang in the body especially accompanied with chilled limbs
Yellow: Energy and Blood Deficiency coming from the Spleen not having enough strength
Green: It shows blood stasis or not flowing smoothly and If the lips are cyanotic that could point to Pneumonia