Acupuncture and Down’s Syndrome
Down’s syndrome is a genetic disease that affects around 6,000 babies every year in the United States. The cause of this disease is still unknown but science is learning more every year. The disease was officially discovered in 1866 by John Langdon Down, an English physician. There are three types of Down syndrome: nondisjunction, translocation and mosaicism. Nondisjunction, or trisomy 21, is the most common form. In trisomy 21, an embryo ends up with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the two normal copies. This is a cell division error and is the cause of trisomy 21. Down syndrome causes distinct facial appearances and intellectual disabilities, as well as many other developmental problems.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are acupressure points located along energetic pathways or meridians. Each of these meridians is associated with an internal organ. And every meridian has its own set of properties because of the organ it is associated with. TCM treats any kind of genetic disease as a disease of the kidney energetic meridian. When the energy of the kidney meridian or Qi (pronounced “chee”) is weak, it means there is a deficiency of yang in the body. This can lead to an overabundance of dampness. In Down syndrome patients, this can manifest as poor muscle tone, a puffy face and protruding tongues. An overabundance of dampness can also affect people mentally, causing learning disabilities and emotional outbursts. Over time, the dampness creates blockages that build up and generate heat. This pattern shows as restlessness, overactivity and red cheeks.
Acupressure, Herbal Formulas, and Nutritional Counseling
Acupuncture is one way to help manage the symptoms of Down’s syndrome sufferers. There are multiple acupressure points that may decrease the aforementioned symptoms and make life much more bearable for Down syndrome patients. These acupressure points can be used alone or in conjunction and many of them can even be stimulated without actual acupuncture needles. For instance, there is a point on the top of the head that can help with restlessness, as well as improving memory and cognitive performance.
Certain herbal formulas can also be very beneficial to the patient. These formulas treat the symptoms and the root cause of the disease from the TCM viewpoint. As mentioned beforehand, TCM views genetic disorders and a deficiency of kidney yang. To combat this, a TCM practitioner might suggest using herbs such as angelica root, cinnamon and Chinese yam in a combination that will increase the kidney yang over time.
Lastly, nutritional counseling may be helpful to treat Down’s patients. Foods cold in nature, such as watermelon, cucumber and dairy products are not good choices because they further deplete the kidney yang and increase the dampness within the body. But as with every type of food, moderation is the key.
While there is no cure for Down’s syndrome, it is a disease that has become much more manageable. The medical management through methods such as acupuncture, the life expectancy and quality of life for Down’s patients can be improve greatly.
Acupuncture for Kids with Down’s Syndrome
In recent years researchers have begun to study the effects holistic medicine, and in specific acupuncture, have on those with down syndrome. It is important to remember that a down syndrome diagnosis comes before birth. This means a child will be born with down syndrome and grow up having to experience its trials and tribulations. It can be tough for kids to cope with having down syndrome, and new studies have shown acupuncture can make it a little bit easier.
Acupressure points can help those with down syndrome suffer less from setbacks and symptoms.
Herbal formulas and certain foods are also beneficial for patients with down syndrome. Utilizing these elements of TCM can help those with down syndrome live a better life.
Many of those with down syndrome experience an increased amount of dampness. You can use acupuncture and TCM to correct the amount of dampness they may be experiencing.
Down syndrome contributes to kidney deficiency where acupuncture and TCM may balance and correct a deficiency.
