Four books about children's health that all parents should have

By Angie
For those of you who enjoy reading about ways to improve and maintain radiant good health for your children (or other 'little friends' in your life), here is a short-list of my all-time favourite kids health books.

Keeping Your Child Healthy with Chinese Medicine
By Bob Flaws

This is a small book with big ideas written by a very well respected and prolific author/practitioner in the TCM world. Flaws has distilled a wealth of TCM information into an easy-to-read 'primer' for parents on how to keep their children healthy and well. He discusses the basics of good health in terms of diet and lifestyle which are crucially important for creating a healthy foundation for children's well-being. He argues that following a few simple principles from TCM therapy will go a long way in the prevention of disease and the promotion of health, which I wholeheartedly agree with. When illnesses do occur, Flaws has summarised a variety of home remedies for the most common complaints e.g. ear aches, coughs & colds, digestive complaints etc. He also discusses the role that Chinese herbs, acupuncture and pediatric Tui-Na (specialised Chinese massage) can play in keeping your child healthy.

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Naturally Healthy Babies and Children
By Aviva Jill Romm

Romm is one of my favourite integrative holistic doctors, with an impressive wealth of experience as a doctor, midwife and herbalist. This book is like a bible of natural ways to care for your child from birth until preadolescence, covering an A-Z of common health issues in a wonderfully comprehensive way. Romm integrates western herbal remedies, dietary advice, liefstyle advice and complementary health techniques such as simple massage techniques. She also responsibly includes tips on when to seek professional medical care. Her tone is caring, reassuring, and inspiring. I find her advice complements whatever other approches or remedies I am using. An indispensable addition to your home library.

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Chinese Pediatric Massage Therapy
By Fan Ya-Li

This is a great little book introducing the techniques of Chinese pediatric tui na, which is a specialised system of massage for children, and its application for a range of common childhood complaints. This system uses a repertoire of points and techniques that are designed especially for children, and pediatric tui na is commonly used across China as a non-invasive, safe and effective treatment for all kinds of conditions. It is very common to see tui na being used in pediatric wards of Chinese hospitals. Ya-Li gives a simple introduction to a variety of massage techniques and then provides massage routines for the treatment of common conditions as well as a 'general infant massage for a healthy baby'. It may not be easy to massage a wriggling toddler, but depending on the age of your child and their condition, this book can provide you with valuable tools to help speed their recovery.

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Disease-Proof Your Child - Feeding Kids Right
By Joel Fuhrman, M.D.

  I love this book so much I want to shout it from the rooftops. You can have all the home remedies and treatments in the world, but if your child is not eating right, then it is like filling a leaky bucket! Fuhrman presents a wealth of scientific evidence for a nutrient-rich diet that can significantly boost your childs immune system and dramatically reduce the occurrence of common illnesses. Even though it is draws upon extensive research, this book is still very readable, enjoyable and inspiring. It will change the way you think about the food you feed not only your children but yourself too. We all know how important a good diet is for a healthy body and mind – but what exactly is the best diet for developing brains and bodies? This book answers this question beautifully. It is amazing and also includes a section of easy, kid-friendly recipes to make the transition simple and fun. I don't believe there is “one” right diet for everyone, and personally I would like to make some small amendments to his recommendations in terms of my TCM understanding of dietary therapy, but as an overall guideline to good eating and good health this is a must-read.

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There are so many amazing books out there in the world containing profound wisdom and wonderful ideas to make our lives better. Hopefully my highlighting of some real gems here is helpful for you.
May you and your young ones be blessed with radiant good health.