Holistic Health for Kids by By Tjok Gde Kerthyasa - Practitioner of Homeopathic Medicine

Children are amazing. They have an energy that is pure and dynamic, giving them the innate ability to adapt and regenerate quickly and completely. The Chinese call this energy Qi, in the West it is known as the Vital Force or Life Force, here in Bali we call it Prana. The whole basis of true holistic medicine is the support and cultivation of this energy, thereby giving the body every chance to heal itself when the need arises. Every body is endowed with this energy, and it will serve us depending on how we treat it from the very start of life.

Those who benefit mostly from holistic treatment are children. In my practice I have seen first hand the difference of healting in both children and adults who have received holistic treatment from a young age versus chemical drugs. Most childhood ailments start off as minor symptoms and either resolve themselves (the vital force working well), or develop further. At this point we are faced with a choice: Do we suppress the symptoms, or do we recognise them as a signal that the body is trying to correct itself? If we opt for the first option and the child has a strong system, then they will probably recover and have no further complications, however if the child has a sensitive system, then it is likely they will react to the suppression and will express deeper, albeit different, symptoms. It is often confused that this is a cure of the initial symptom. An example I see of this pattern is acute bronchitis treated repeatedly with antibiotics turning into asthma or chronic allergies. This is not to say that chemical drugs are entirely a bad thing, or that they should be avoided at all costs. They can be necessary and helpful in certain situations, but rarely as a first option for minor ailments.

The question you are probably asking yourselves now is: ‘What is holistic health and where do I get it???!’  The answer is probably right in front of you. Holistic health starts with you, in your home, at work, all around you. It is an attitude and a philosophy, that supports life. As a parent, you are the primary care practitioner for your child, and will determine the health your child enjoys. Holistic thinking looks at the whole: a healthy mind, a healthy living and learning environment, healthy friends and family, healthy attitudes, healthy food, healthy smells, sights, sounds, and feelings. If you can provide these, your job is almost complete. It is at the times in a child’s life when illness approaches, that we sometimes need to turn to another for help, and it is at that time you will be faced with the choice of what is required more – to support your child’s life force to overcome the illness themselves and develop their immune systems, or to suppress or fight the illness with a chemical drug.

Holistic medicine modalities children respond well to include: homeopathy, osteopathy, acupuncture and acupressure, traditional Chinese medicine, nutritional counselling, psychotherapy and counselling, kinesiology, and naturopathy. It is important to consult a professional practitioner before prescribing natural remedies especially for children as they are sensitive to dosage.

About Tjok Gde Kerthyasa: A caring and experienced local homeopath practicing in Ubud, Seminyak, and Sanur. He has a special interest in homeopathy for children and families, and treats a wide range of acute and chronic conditions with homeopathic remedies and holistic lifestyle advice. He received his training in Australia qualifying for a Bachelor of Health Science (Homeopathy) and Advanced Diploma of Homeopathy. For further information, feel free to contact Tjok Gde by email at tjokmahatma@hotmail.com or phone 0815 580 66997.
Please note, the information contained in this article is not intended to replace the advice of a health or medical practitioner. If you have any health concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.

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