As the school year begins, supporting your child’s health and well-being is essential. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to nutrition, sleep, activity, and immune support—helping kids thrive throughout the school year. At Luna Acupuncture, we focus on preventative care to keep your family healthy and balanced.
1. Nutrition for a Strong Immune System
TCM emphasizes eating seasonal, whole foods to strengthen the body’s defenses. We look at how foods affect our lung/immune health and digestion. An easy tip would be to incorporate whole foods that are in season for your region.
In Chinese to support digestion we look at warming foods to prepare for the Fall and Winter seasons
- Warm, cooked grains like rice, millet, and oats
- Root vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash
- Soups and broths, especially chicken or miso soup with added ginger and garlic
- Pears, apples, and citrus for lung health
Adding immune-supporting herbs like goji berries, astragalus root, and jujube dates to soups or teas can help keep kids resilient against seasonal illnesses.
Hydration is important here, too. If your child is drinking plenty of waters and limiting sugary drinks, their bodies are going to operate optimally.
2. Play and Activity
In TCM, movement supports our circulation and general feeling of well-being. Kids of all ages need movement and play to balance out the sedentary days in the class room.
Encourage daily outdoor play, especially in natural sunlight. Physical activity:
- Strengthens the immune system
- Improves focus and mood
- Helps regulate sleep patterns
Simple activities like biking, hiking, or playing at the park are ideal for balance and energy circulation.
3. Healthy Sleep Schedules
Proper rest is critical for growing bodies. Aim for the following sleep hours:
- Ages 3–5: 10–13 hours/night
- Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours/night
- Teens: 8–10 hours/night
Sleep Hygiene Tips:
- Establish a calming bedtime routine
- Avoid screen time an hour before bed
- Keep bedrooms cool and dark
- Use warm lighting after sunset to allow the body to wind down and support melatonin production
Herbal supports like chamomile tea or lemon balm tincture (we love Lemon Balm Calm by Herb Pharm) can help kids who struggle with restlessness before bed.
4. TCM Herbs for School Season
Mild, food-based herbs can be incorporated for immune and digestive health:
- Goji berries – support vision and immunity
- Astragalus root – strengthens energy and defenses
- Jujube dates – nourish digestion and calm the mind
We love tinctures for kids – they’re easy to add to juice, water and they don’t have to take a pill. We love Gentle Warrior line with Kan Herbs for Chinese medicine as well as Herb Pharm kids line.
Review herbs with your practitioner before administering.
THE GREAT NEWS – We have a great list of products to support immune function in our Fullscript store listed under “Kids Health” HERE
Support for Your Family at Luna Acupuncture
At Luna Acupuncture, we specialize in integrative, holistic care for the entire family. From acupuncture to herbal consultations, we help parents create wellness routines that keep children healthy and thriving during the school year. Call 480.426. 9251 to schedule a consult to learn how we can support you child’s immune system and overall health for this school year.
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