By Joy Fang

TRADITIONAL Chinese medicine (TCM) paediatric massage, or xiao er tui na, has only benefits for children and no side effects, said Ms Tan Kiat Hwee, a TCM physician at Ren Hai Clinic.

The 47-year-old has over 16 years of experience in paediatrics, and sees nine to 10 kids a day.

my paper gets Ms Tan to share her insights.

What type of illness is best treated with this massage?

It can treat quite a wide range of sicknesses, such as fever, a poor digestive system, a weak respiratory system and colic problems.

What are the benefits of TCM paediatric massage for children?

Besides treating illnesses, it can also help strengthen a child's immune system and aid in his development.

The massage is known to enhance a child's brain development and encourage greater memory capacity and creativity.

When is the best time to do it?

From birth to about 12 years old. However, it is most effective before the age of seven, because this is the time when the body is still developing.

The massage should be performed once a week or fortnightly, with each session lasting about 20 to 30 minutes. Health benefits should be visible within six months.

Can I learn where the acupuncture points are and massage my child myself?

It is not advisable, because its effectiveness depends on applying the right amount of pressure, the speed of application, and the time spent on each pressure point.

A practitioner needs to be aware of all these and have a holistic knowledge of the principles behind them.

Catch the talk, "Introductory TCM Paediatric Massage", by physician Tan Kiat Hwee at Bukit Merah Public Library on Feb 27 at 5.30pm.

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