Techniques that allow parents to be active agents in providing relief and healing when illness occurs in their children

• Reveals the importance of touch in both childhood development and healing

• Details acupoint and trigger point therapy techniques for most common childhood ailments, including asthma

• Identifies when to seek professional help vs. situations that can be handled at home

Touch is critical to the development of babies and children. It establishes both their sense of self and their connectedness to the rest of the world. Donna Finando shows that touch is also key to restoring health when illness occurs. As a mother and grandmother, she has experienced the frustration and helplessness of watching a sick child suffer. As an acupuncturist and massage practitioner, she has found there are many simple ways parents can provide relief and even healing for many common ailments that afflict children by using touch therapy.

Trigger point therapy releases restricted muscles while acupressure allows energy to flow freely, activating the body's remarkable healing abilities. Colds, sore throats, ear infections, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and even asthma are some of the common conditions that can be relieved by touch therapy. Finando presents an in-depth explanation of each condition, providing information on causative factors, dietary and behavior recommendations, point techniques that can offer relief, and when to seek medical help. The gentle techniques that form this healing practice also extend to other parent-child interactions, offering a comprehensive model for the care and nurturing of children.

Donna Finando, L.Ac., L.M.T., is a practitioner of acupuncture and massage, specializing in myofascial meridian therapy and myofascial release techniques for the treatment of chronic and acute pain and dysfunction. She studied extensively with Janet Travell, M.D., a pioneer in the field of pain management. She lives on Long Island, New York, where she has been in continual practice since 1976. She is coauthor of Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain and the author of Trigger Point Self-Care Manual and Acupoint and Trigger Point Therapy for Babies and Children.

Foreword by Mark Finando

Introduction


Part 1. The Basics

Moments of Bonding: The Importance of Touch and the Use of Your Hands

An Introduction to Meridian Theory


Part 2. Treatments

Maintaining Good Health

Common Cold

Sore Throat

Ear Infection

Sinus Infection

Cough

Asthma

Conjunctivitis

Fever

Constipation and Gas

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Irritability, Fussiness, and the Inability to Sleep

Colic: Excessive Crying

Urinary Tract Infection

Aches, Pains, Bruises, Sprains, and More

Epilogue: The Ever-Flowing Fountain and the Four Cardinal Needs

Afterword: Memo from a Child to Parents

Appendix: Commonly Used Acupoints

Resources

Bibliography

Index