Question
How to treat a 2.5-year-old daughter’s lack of appetite (also known as ‘anorexia’)? During the treatment process, cupping therapy and stomach-soothing medications were used. Were there any issues with blood being squeezed out during the cupping procedure, and is coughing suitable for cupping therapy?
Answer
For treating lack of appetite in a 2.5-year-old child with traditional Chinese medicine, cupping therapy combined with stomach-soothing medications are employed. During the cupping procedure, it should not involve squeezing out blood, as this may affect the treatment outcome. Additionally, for children with mild coughs, the decision to proceed with cupping therapy should be made after considering the condition. It is recommended that parents feed their child reasonably, actively treat primary diseases, discontinue medications that may cause gastrointestinal reactions, and supplement trace elements. Ideally, breast milk feeding should be continued for at least four months. Introduce complementary foods in order and do not rush the process. Furthermore, appropriately increasing the child’s level of activity can accelerate gastrointestinal motility, increase digestive fluid secretion, enhance appetite, and strengthen digestive and absorption functions of the gastrointestinal tract.