Question
I’ve heard that hanging cinnabar wrapped in a cloth around a child’s chest can treat fear. Is this method feasible? Does cinnabar need to be in direct contact with the child’s skin? Considering that cinnabar is toxic, could this practice lead to toxic side effects? I would appreciate expert guidance.
Answer
The impact of a child being frightened depends on the child’s constitution and the severity of the fear. During a child’s growth, they may encounter sudden frightening events that could have varying degrees of negative psychological effects on young children. Parents should help children gradually eliminate psychological fears, fade traumatic memories, and calmly navigate through psychological crises. Paying more attention in daily life is sufficient. As for the use of cinnabar, due to its toxicity, it is not recommended to be in direct contact with the child’s skin or used for treating fear. It is advisable to seek professional medical advice and adopt safer and more effective methods to help children.