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Paediatric Acupuncture: Childhood Development, Related Pathologies, Diagnostics & Treatment – Recorded Seminar

Being able to treat paediatric cases in clinic is an essential part of each Oriental Medicine Practitioner’s repertoire. However, there is limited education on this topic provided at an undergraduate level (and also relatively few options in continuing education) on how to diagnose and treat children, and the Chinese medicine philosophical basis of their developmental stages. This makes some practitioners less confident in ​treating paediatric cases. In this recorded seminar, we cover the developmental stages of children, from before birth through to the first years of development after birth. This was explored in relationship with Chinese philosophy, the five phases/elements, some of the 8 Extraordinary Channels, and the philosophy of 10 Heavenly Stems (tiān gān). We discussed a variety of cases, and provided diagnosis & treatment demonstrations.
It is the aim of the presenter that after accessing this recorded seminar, that practitioners will feel confident enough to commence treating children in clinic, and that experienced practitioners will be able to enrich their style of treatment with the practical side of the ancient paradigms of Chinese philosophy.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• The difference between diagnosing & treating adults in comparison to diagnosing & treating children
• Some diagnostic tools focused on paediatric diagnosis- 3-Gates Diagnosis, Lu 10 Zone Diagnosis, Paediatric Pulse Diagnosis, and some demonstrations of constitutional diagnosis based on year of birth.
• Treatment principles for common ailments in children, such as Ji-blockage, bed-wetting, headaches, sleep disorders and retained/lingering pathogenic factors.
• The influence of childhood development, which starts in utero, in relation to the 10 Heavenly Stems (tiān gān), and the connection of the 10 Heavenly Stems to the 10 months of pregnancy (Conception to birth).
• The influence of disrupted development in utero on various conditions- how problems experienced by the mother during pregnancy can lead to certain types of ailments later in life for the child, and how to understand where in the 10 months of development a potential developmental issue occurred in utero, based on the patient’s presenting condition.
• The differences between Ren Mai or Du Mai methods of up-bringing, and how to achieve a balance.
• Demonstration of unique paediatric needling techniques.
• Paediatric diagnosis and treatment demonstrations by the presenter.

Joan’s thoughts on treating Children:

Working with children is a bliss.

Being a father (4) and grandfather (4) I have experienced how it is to raise children, to make mistakes, to feel proud, to be fearful and worry, to share the love and to follow and support growth and development. In 1987 I started working with children after being a student of Dr. J.D. van Buren and Julian Scott for several years. As from that moment, I never looked back. The contact with the children and their parents is challenging, pleasant and inspiring. But moreover, since that first day, I always felt myself energized after a day of treating children in clinic. This is a beautiful side effect for the practitioner, but it describes also, the splendid Yang Qi of children.

Of course not all children are the same, but in general, their energies are vivid, rapid and also sometimes unexpected. They want to be joyful and playful, open for change and for new things. They show their emotions without covering them and are honest about their feelings and thoughts. In short: You know what there is, and what you will get. On the other hand, they expect you to be in the moment, honest, sincere and cheerful but with the seriousness of an adult.

As a practitioner it is challenging, but also rewarding to treat them with these qualities. I hope that you will gain as much from treating children as I have in my years of clinical practice.

There is something about treating children that brings out warmth and kindness in people. This is certainly true of Joan, and it is always a pleasure to spend time with him discussing the differences and similarities in our approaches. There is always something to discuss, for of all the stems and branches practitioners that I know, Joan has the most experience. In addition to this, he is a keen observer. He is a very good teacher and always willing to share his experience.

By attending his course, not only will you learn practical skills, but you will also have an opportunity to learn from the wisdom he has acquired through some 35 years of treating children.

-Julian Scott

Author of the text: 

Acupuncture in the Treatment of Children

“Treat people not diseases” – Dr. J.D. van Buren

“Treating patients using a deep understanding of the application of Classical Chinese philosophy to achieve outstanding clinical results. This is the type of Classical Acupuncture/diagnostics you always thought you’d be studying when you first commenced your Chinese Medicine education…….”

Peter Scarselletti | Director of Qiology