Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tui Na Massage and regular massage for Article

Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tui Na Massage and regular massage for the treatment of pediatric and adolescent issues - Article Example healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies that mainstream Western (conventional) medicine does not commonly use, accept, study, understand, or make available.† It also stated that CAM on its own can be an alternative to orthodox therapies or as a supplement to mainstream medicine whit the purpose of alleviating conditions and/ or promote healthy lifestyle. A good example of CAM would be Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has its beginnings in China for more than thousands of years. According to the National Institutes of Health, TCM â€Å" is considered is considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the United States†. TCM employs different treatments such as massage, herbal remedies, moxibustion, cupping and acupuncture. However, the purpose of this discussion to enlighten the public on the role of TCM in addressing pediatric and adolescents issues, particularly musculoskeletal problems. The developmental stage of childhood up to adolescence presents a challenge to Orthopedic practitioners. The National Center for Health Statistics, in its National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey in 2003 revealed that â€Å"no less than 8 million children under 20 musculoskeletal injuries in 2003 â€Å". It is no wonder then that childhood musculoskeletal injuries are seriously considered as a major problem by The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). The musculoskeletal problems can be grouped into two categories: congenital or developmental. Developmental conditions are usually attributed to injuries which stems from childhood obesity and lack of inactivity. On the other hand, excessive physical activity from sports activities can also cause problems. Moreover, diseases and infections can also contribute to the development of musculoskeletal problems in children and adolescents. For some years now, TCM has contributed in aiding pediatric cases as well as adolescents with musculoskeletal problems. The following areas of