In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that children have delicate internal organs, vibrant vitality, rapid development, and a tendency to easily fall ill and quickly recover. Therefore, when treating pediatric diseases with TCM, the following points should be considered:
1. Balance tonification and elimination, addressing both the root cause and the symptoms. The focus of the treatment should be on eliminating pathogenic factors while also tonifying the body's constitution, achieving a balance between addressing the root cause and alleviating symptoms.
2. Use a small amount of herbs, emphasizing a gentle approach. The prescription should contain a small number of herbs, generally 2 to 5. The dosage should be adjusted according to the child's age and weight, typically taking one-fifth to half the adult dosage.
3. Administer in small and frequent doses, according to the pathological condition. In general, the herbal decoction should be taken twice a day, with the residue removed and the liquid thoroughly mixed. The liquid should then be divided into six doses and taken warm. The timing of administration should be carefully considered, and it is best to avoid taking the medicine during the day and stopping at night.
4. Stop treatment when the condition improves to avoid harming the body's constitution. When treating children, medication should be discontinued once the condition has improved, and under no circumstances should it be taken again to prevent damage to the body's vital energy or the development of other illnesses.
