Every year, autumn and winter are peak seasons for coughs and influenza. For children with weak constitutions, it is a "disaster" as they fall ill every single time.

With recurrent colds and coughs, let alone physical growth, parents are satisfied as long as their children do not get sick.

However, based on my years of clinical observation, I have found that autumn and winter are actually excellent opportunities for children to "overtake on the curve" regarding height growth. Because children's overall growth slows down during this period, if the constitution is regulated correctly, the growth rate can even exceed that of spring and summer.

So, what is the correct way to regulate the body? Focus on the Spleen and Kidney!

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the physiological characteristics of children are defined by "constant deficiency of the Spleen and frequent weakness of the Kidney."

● The importance of the Spleen and Stomach needs no further elaboration; it is sufficient to know that they are the "acquired foundation" (post-natal base) of a child's constitution. All the Qi and Blood energy required for a child's growth depends on the Spleen and Stomach for generation and transformation.

● The Kidney is the foundation of innate constitution, governing the bones and generating marrow. The Kidney regulates a child's innate endowment and is directly related to skeletal growth, brain development, and immune strength. When Kidney Qi is sufficient, children can grow tall, possess strong muscles and bones, and maintain a good memory.

For daily nourishment, you can prepare this "Spleen and Kidney Dual-Tonifying Soup" for your child!

Yam, Walnut, and Chestnut Soup

Prepare dried Huai Yam slices, walnut kernels, shelled chestnut meat, pitted red dates, ginger, and lean pork. Prepare using standard soup-simmering methods.

In this formula, Huai Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) gently tonifies the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys; Walnut kernels tonify the Kidneys, warm the Lungs, and benefit cognitive function; and Chestnuts strengthen the Spleen and tonify the Kidneys. Combined with Red Dates to supplement the Middle Jiao and boost Qi, these four ingredients form a powerful synergy. They simultaneously tonify the Spleen, Kidneys, and Lungs while nourishing Qi, Blood, and Essence, playing a core role in enhancing resistance and promoting growth and development.

However, for children with a significant height deficit, TCM syndrome differentiation and herbal treatment are recommended for faster results.

I previously treated a 6-year-old boy who was nearly 6 cm below the standard height. He appeared frail with a sallow complexion and was noticeably shorter than his peers.

His parents reported a very poor appetite and severe picky eating. He had already caught a cold three times during the autumn, with each illness taking a long time to resolve. Clinical examination revealed a pale tongue with a white coating and a thready, weak pulse.

Differential Diagnosis: Typical deficiency of both the Spleen and Kidney. Spleen and Stomach weakness leads to poor appetite and malabsorption; insufficiency of Kidney Essence affects growth and development, resulting in short stature and a weak constitution.

Prescription and Regulation: Based on a modification of the classic formulas "Shen Ling Bai Zhu San" combined with "Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang." Dietary therapy formulas can be used for daily consolidation.

Within one month, the child grew 1.5 centimeters taller, and their facial appearance has noticeably improved.

Considering the significant height deficit of the child, continuous treatment was administered for 3 months. Medication was discontinued in the spring to allow for natural growth. Fortunately, within less than half a year, the child grew by 5 cm; the parents noted that this exceeded the growth achieved in the entire previous year.