Rickets, commonly known as calcium deficiency, is relatively common in infancy and is caused by a lack of vitamin D leading to metabolic disorders of calcium and phosphorus in the body, resulting in poor bone calcification. This is a chronic nutritional deficiency disease. Rickets develops slowly and is not easily taken seriously, leading to a decrease in children's resistance and a predisposition to diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhea, which can affect children's growth and development. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, rickets falls under the categories of "Five Delays," "Five Softnesses," and "Craniostenosis." It is believed that the disease is often caused by inadequate nourishment in the womb, congenital insufficiency, improper daily routines, inadequate care, unsuitable nutrition, and deficiency of the spleen and kidneys.
Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Type: The child is weak and reluctant to move, with a soft skull, sparse and yellow hair, a dull complexion, a sluggish expression, loose muscles, fatigue in the limbs, inability to stand firmly, weakness with excessive sweating, and restless sleep. The child is easily startled, and the stool is mostly loose; the tongue coating is thin and white, the pulse is slow, and the finger venous pattern is pale red.
Kidney Qi Deficiency Type: The child is physically frail with a large square-shaped skull, pale complexion, slow reactions, delayed speech development or unclear speech, late teething, and may have pigeon chest, hunchback, a large abdomen, and curved lower limbs. There is delayed growth and the bones show mild deformities; the tongue is pale with little coating, the pulse is slow and weak, and the finger venous pattern is faint.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course. (If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
1. Babies should be exposed to more sunlight and engage in outdoor activities to actively prevent and treat various chronic diseases. 2. Breastfeeding is advocated, and complementary foods should be introduced in a timely manner. Supplement vitamin D and calcium daily. Pay attention to a diet rich in calcium and phosphorus when selecting food.