Retarded growth in children according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, retarded growth in children is sometimes associated with Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's retarded growth in children might be caused by the pattern Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from retarded growth in children alone. Indeed if retarded growth in children is caused by Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, patients also experience symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back, lightheadedness, vertigo and tinnitus. Similarly, patients with Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency typically exhibit fine (Xi) or rapid (Shu) pulses as well as a red tongue with partial absence of coating.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency so that you can have a better understanding of where retarded growth in children might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, a formula that can help treat Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency.
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with retarded growth in children
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Fine (Xi), Rapid (Shu)
Tongue coating: Partial absence of coating
Tongue color: Red
Recommended herbal formula: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Symptoms: Vertigo Tinnitus Night sweats Lightheadedness Diminished hearing Chronic sore throat Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions Soreness and weakness in the lower back
Retarded growth in children might be due to Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back, lightheadedness, vertigo and tinnitus. Similarly, patients with Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency typically exhibit fine (Xi) or rapid (Shu) pulses as well as a red tongue with partial absence of coating.
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, a herbal formula that might help with retarded growth in children
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Source date: 1119 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Enriches the yin and nourishes the Kidneys.
Why might Liu Wei Di Huang Wan help with retarded growth in children?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, a pattern sometimes associated with retarded growth in children. If it looks like you might suffer from Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Symptoms related to retarded growth in children
Soreness and weakness in the lower back Lightheadedness Vertigo Tinnitus Diminished hearing Night sweats Spontaneous and nocturnal emissions Chronic sore throat
