[caption id="attachment_2990" align="alignright" width="341"] Acupressure and herbs are used to relieve repeat ear infections[/caption] Children with ear infections suffer heavily with pain and discomfort, and their parents often struggle to know how to help. Acupressure and herbal medicine can help with repeat ear infections both during acute stages and in between infections to reduce the overall risk of getting ear infections. Typically we see that children who have one ear infection are more likely to have repeated ear infections. Often these are the children who have colds with sinus congestion that frequently progresses to ear infections. In order to avoid the use of frequent antibiotics, which can damage the gut microbiome, parents can use acupressure and herbal medicine to reduce the risk of ear infections happening.

How do I know if my child needs support for ear infections?

If your child has had more than one ear infection then they could likely benefit from acupressure and herbal medicine to reduce the chances of getting future infections. Acupressure and herbal medicine work together to:

• Enhance immune response and reduce likelihood of getting sick
• Reduce the number of days a child is sick
• Decrease the production of phlegm
• Reduce overall sinus congestion

With these four approaches, children are much less likely to get subsequent ear infections.

How much acupressure treatment will my child need?

Each child varies in terms of how much support they need to reduce the chance of getting sick and to reduce the likelihood that illnesses progress to ear infections. We typically start with three or four acupressure sessions over the course of 3-8 weeks. After the first 2-3 sessions we typically can tell whether the child is getting fewer illnesses and has less mucus and phlegm (runny nose, post-nasal drip, coughing up phlegm). Once we see sufficient progress we move to a maintenance pattern where we may see the child once every month or as infrequently as once a quarter to maintain adequate immunity and reduce the burden of mucus and phlegm. We provide herbal medicine where needed. We have formulas that strengthen the overall immune system and digestive system (which is linked to the immune system). We also have formulas that are broadly antibacterial and antiviral which are safe to be consumed daily during the height of winter sick season to prevent infections. And lastly, we have formulas that are effective for reducing phlegm.

What if my child seems to be starting an ear infection?

Acupressure and herbal medicine can be very helpful at the onset of an ear infection. As soon as possible, bring your child in for an acupressure treatment where we will work to reduce inflammation and drain fluid from the ears and sinues and reduce the overall burden of phlegm and mucus. We also have an herbal formula that is great for use during an active ear infection. It is antiviral, antibacterial, and fluid-draining. Often using acupressure and this herbal formula together can work to stop an ear infection that is in progress. As always, we recommend close coordination with your pediatrician during suspected or potential ear infections to ensure the safety of your child's ears.

When should we get started with acupressure?

If your child has had one or two ear infections in the past, bring them in for an acupressure visit so that we can evaluate their health from a Chinese medical perspective and create a plan to support their immunity and reduce the likelihood of future ear infections. Here's to your health!