Family

Preface: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks at the different types of Qi (vital energy that exists in all things, pronounced as ‘chee’), how the Qi flows in the meridians (energy channels) and the effects of the environment and our diet and lifestyle on these systems. In this article body organs, are discussed from an energetic perspective. For this reason they are written with capital letters.

Children under six differ in many ways to adults. One of the most interesting ways (from a health perspective) is that a child’s digestive system is inherently weak. Because of this immature and weak digestive system, TCM tells us that almost all paediatric diseases under the age of six begin as a form of indigestion. A child’s diet is essential to their long term health. Many of the problems that we see later in life begin in childhood.
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The most important benefit of careful introduction of solids is that it reduces the chances of developing allergies and optimizes the digestive system. It will also aid the body in adapting to this important milestone and help to set good food habits which will last a lifetime.

To understand the reason behind this system it is easier to know how the digestive process works. The main digestive organs are the Spleen and the Stomach.

“If proper food is eaten, the Spleen is strengthened...” . The main function of the Spleen and Stomach is governing the “transformation and transportation” of Gu Qi (food energy) in the body. This is the process known as digestion. ; ;Gu Qi is extracted by the Spleen Qi which then is transported on to other organs to create all of the energy needs for the body.

Because of this it is essential that we have good quality food to eat, ideally consuming organic (pesticide free) or at least free from genetic modification and in a whole/natural state.

Breast / Bottle
Breastfeeding is an important part of the diet of all infants and toddlers and will ideally be continued until the child decides to move on. It is essential that mothers look after their own health so that they can continue to feed for as long as possible. Support groups like the Australian Breastfeeding Association (www.breastfeeding.asn.au) can really help to guide women to breastfeed. Breast milk is very nourishing to the Spleen and Stomach and is the perfect food for babies. It also supplements a toddler’s diet.

Your child can begin solids from 6-12 months, depending upon when the child is ready. Some people choose to wait 12 months before introducing solids and this can be very beneficial. ;During this time, a lactating mother should have excellent nutrition and a balanced energy system, taking in rest and everything required for health. Acupuncture can help for specific problems and for general health.
If the child is formula fed then solids should be introduced at 6 months as formula cannot adapt to the needs of a child in the same way that breast milk can.

The first food
As soon as the child has their first taste of anything other than breast milk it is the beginning of weaning. Of course, weaning can take place over a number of years. When starting solids, breast and bottle feeds need not change as the first foods will be just tastes.

The best first food is a common breakfast food in China called congee or jook. For older children and adults it may be made with a single grain or a combination of grains, beans, vegetables animal protein, or Chinese medicinal herbs. ;It can be tailored to specific health needs for all members of the family. “Ordinary rice porridge is a miraculous substance for the growth and development of the body, and sweet rice is a unique agent for warming and nurturing the Spleen and the Stomach” Thus congee can and should be the first food given to infants after breast milk. ; It is also useful for increasing a nursing mother’s supply of milk.

Congee
Congee is made by cooking 1 part white rice to 5-8 parts water. First bring the water to a boil and then turn the heat down to a slow simmer. A crock pot can be used to cook it over night. Cook the congee until the water and rice become indivisible (generally 2-4 hours on the stove top). This is then strained and the milky part is given to baby. After a couple of months it will no longer need to be strained.

Make enough for 3 days at a time and this can be kept in the refrigerator. Be sure to only make a small amount to begin with (just a couple of teaspoons of rice) as it is unlikely that baby will eat a lot. ; It is best to eat it straight away or keep it cold until it will be reheated. Offer baby a teaspoonful and see how they like it. Most of it will probably be spat out but this will be a regular occurrence over the next few months!

Offer congee once per day for the first week watching for any reactions. After this it can be offered twice per day. Keep bubs on congee only for 2-4 weeks then other foods can be added to the congee at the end of cooking (last 30 mins). Also increase their liquids by offering clean water with meals and when thirsty.

What comes next?
Next add a vegetable; it could be pumpkin, carrot or other orange vegetables. The vegetable should be well cooked and strained and added to the rice congee increasing the amount each day.
This vegetable should be eaten with the rice congee for a week, as long as there are no reactions. After this you can add another vegetable per week. After the orange vegetables move on to the green and yellow ones eventually having a mix of colours.

After 10-12 months meats can be added if they will be included in the diet. Occasionally cooked fruits are ok but avoid adding sugar. Also apples and citrus can be difficult to digest so they should be introduced later.

Tips

• Food should be introduced gradually and in a relaxed manner. Make meal times fun and allow your baby to explore the taste and the texture of the food. It’s going to be messy but just put down a tarp!
• Avoid having a dessert type food after every meal or every day. These kinds of things should be saved for treats only. If a sweet tooth is developed young then it sets up bad food habits for life.
• Never force feed or push a child to eat all that is in their bowl. If they don’t like a food, try it again in a couple of days. It takes a while to become accustomed to new tastes.

Food proportions
When first introducing solids it is preferable to have all cooked foods. A general rule is for the first month or two, depending on how the child is digesting them.
After this time you can slowly introduce raw foods eventually making 70% cooked and 30% raw, the same proportions recommended to adults.

40-60 % grains and cereal preparations (such as congee)
20-40% vegetables
5-10% legumes (beans, peas, lentils, soy products), dairy, &/or other animal products
5-10% fruit

Reactions / Allergies
Foods are added one per week so you can see if your child is allergic to any particular food and so the immature digestive system and taste buds can get used to each food and flavour.

It is normal for the stool habits to change when introducing solids. They usually become a bit smellier and more formed.

Signs of reactions / allergies can include:

• Undigested food in stools, constipation or diarrhoea.
• Stomach cramps / pain.
• Rashes / eczema.
• Changes in behaviour.

If there is a mild reaction to the food, for example a rash, avoid that food for 1-3 months and then try again. If there is a serious reaction then get further professional medical advice before adding that food to the diet again.

Foods to use with caution

• Avoid foods that cause any of the reactions above or any known family allergens.
• Flours (especially wheat) are best avoided for the first two years. Rice flour can be used as an alternative. Avoid Buckwheat.
• Raw onions and garlic are not for regular use.
• No salt under 10 months, then use with caution (avoid gravies and commercial products that contain salt).
• Avoid refined and rancid cooking oils as well as margarine and canola oil.
• Avoid too much raw food.
• Refined sweeteners like fructose and white sugar.
• Chocolate and caffeine containing products.
• Honey (especially raw) under 18 months of age (can contain the toxin botulin).
• Too much fruit especially raw and in cold weather. Avoid fruit juice until at least 18 months of age and then only as an occasional (once a week/fortnight) drink made fresh from fresh fruits.
• Limit strong spices and condiments.
• Avoid overuse of dairy products. Goat’s dairy is the best for after breast milk for toddlers. Rice milk can be used as a drink and in cooking. Cow’s milk is overused in our society and should be used sparingly. Occasional cheese and yoghurt is fine for children over 18 months.
• Avoid shellfish.
• Avoid peanuts and other nuts in the first 2-3 years, longer if there is a family history of allergies.

Maciocia, Giovanni. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. Page 139

Flaws, Bob. The Book of Jook. Page 30

Pitchford, Paul. Healing with whole foods. Page 438

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