People are amazed to hear that not one of my four children has ever had an ear infection. They would be even more surprised to know that childhood ear infections are basically nonexistent in China.


Actually, this came as a surprise to me also. In 1986, when I was studying Chinese medicine at a pediatrics hospital in Guangzho, none of the children who we saw had ear infections. What was their secret? A simple answer: a diet that nurtures the young digestive tract.

Childhood ear infections are common in western societies and, as such, are accepted as a normal part of growing up. The theory is that young children have fewer antibodies to fight disease, and therefore, a lower resistance toward infections that might come their way.

Colds are a frequent problem. When mucus backs up in the nose, it may pool in the Eustachian tubes or passages leading into the ears. Mucus is more easily trapped in children's narrow Eustachian tubes, which have not fully developed. Trapped mucus often becomes infected, resulting in an ear infection.

Our American society has been liberal in its use of antibiotics to treat ear infections and even potential ear infections. In addition, it is not uncommon for a child with repeated ear infections to "get tubes put in." These small plastic tubes allow the mucus to more readily drain away from the ear, thereby preventing mucus buildup and infections. It is not unusual for these tubes to become misplaced or fall out, and then the child is back at square one.

The Chinese, who view these treatment measures as both drastic and ineffective, have a different orientation toward why children acquire ear infections. They believe there are four energies in the body: yin, yang, blood, and Qi. The Qi facilitates movement of energies throughout the body, and a congested Qi is a precursor to health problems.

Young children have limited capacities to adapt to new foods, yet they have large appetites. As a result, they are more apt to develop congested stomach Qi or Qi stasis. A congested stomach Qi leads to internal dampness and heat. As the heat rises, this results in stuffy noses, ear infections, and sinus problems.

The Chinese believe that minor interventions in children's care can provide dramatic changes. They are extremely careful when it comes to feeding young children. A typical healthy diet consists of soy, rice, and cooked vegetables. The stomach readily heats and breaks down these foods so that nutrients can be easily absorbed and waste products eliminated.

Of course, Americans also believe they are careful when feeding young children. Following at least six months of breast milk, most children are then given a rotational diet of solid food to monitor for any possible food allergies. The first solid food tested is most often rice cereal, which is easy to digest. There are also fewer allergic reactions to rice. From here the American thinking parts with the Chinese thinking.

It is very common to see American children aged one and up consuming large amounts of what are considered healthy foods: dairy products, raw fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, and cold drinks. However, the Chinese believe that each one of these foods is hard for a child to digest. In addition, constant introduction of these congestive foods gradually weakens the digestive system and, over a period of time, congests the stomach Qi.

A congested stomach is like a burning cauldron. Its movements become very sluggish and swamp like. Heat continues to be produced, but it then has a tendency to rise toward mucus membranes, such as those in the nose, ear canal, and sinus cavities. If a child is run down, she is more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, which tend to grow quickly in warm, moist climates.

From the Chinese viewpoint, antibiotics to treat ear infections are just covering up the problem. In lieu of antibiotics and tubes, chronic childhood ear and sinus infections can be prevented by having children eat a diet that caters to a younger digestive system. Children who are currently suffering from an ear infection can be safely and effectively treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

Some readers may be squirming in their seats right now, but acupuncture should be a relatively painless procedure that many children tolerate quite well. Parents who have received acupuncture treatments themselves will confirm this! If a child has been traumatized by needles in the past, ask for needless acupuncture, which is a noninvasive battery-powered point finder and stimulator.

Pediatric needles are very thin (no thicker than a piece of thread) and bend quite easily. Generally four needles are used to treat an ear infection: usually one in each elbow or near the hand (depending on the infection) and one in each foot. The needles are inserted less than a 1/4 of an inch into the skin, and insertion takes but a second. Patients are asked to cough during insertion to ensure that the process is relatively painless.

The needles are left in place no more than 20 minutes. During the procedure, the child lies down on a massage table and listens to music. Parents stay with their children the entire time. They can read stories out loud or give the child a massage to help pass the time. It is a very relaxing experience, giving the body time to calm down and refresh itself. There is little feeling when the needles are removed.

One treatment can often significantly reduce symptoms of most ear infections, although a very sick child would need to have the procedure repeated within a few days. Some children are also sent home with Chinese herbs, which are brewed into a tea. Small amounts of the tea are consumed twice a day.

Today, more people in America are taking a second and third look at alternative medicines including Chinese medicine and acupuncture. The last two thousand years have shown that they are safe and effective, and a number of health insurance carriers are starting to pay for these treatments.

A big issue for some adults is needles. They picture long thick needles that are stuck at least three inches into the skin and leave the patient writhing in pain. Right? Now you know better.

But shouldn't our fears of antibiotics be just as strong? Bubble gum-flavored liquid and small pills seem harmless to take, but look at the long-term effects of resistant bacteria. That should be enough to send chills down anyone's spine.