PART 2: "Complementary Approaches to Optimize Growth & Development in Growing Children with Auriculotherapy and Homeopathy "

 "Complementary Approaches to Optimize Growth & Development in Growing Children with Auriculotherapy and Homeopathy "

PART 2:

DISCLAIMER:
Supporting Natural Growth in Children – The Holistic Way!
Growth in children is influenced by multiple factors — nutrition, physical activity, sleep, genetics, and overall well-being.
In my clinic, I support growth and development through an integrative approach:
✅ Balanced diet rich in calcium, protein, and micronutrients
✅ Simple height-supportive exercises like skipping, yoga, and posture correction
✅ Homeopathy as a supportive tool in improving digestion, immunity, and correction of constitution.
✅ Auriculotherapy to stimulate natural growth response and endocrine balance
These methods are supportive and aim to assist natural growth processes — especially when started early. I always encourage a holistic, non-invasive, child-friendly approach. Results vary from child to child and depend on many individual factors.

"The therapies mentioned are used in a supportive capacity and are not a replacement for pediatric consultation when needed. No guaranteed results are claimed. This post is shared for educational purposes in line with ethical guidelines issued by the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act and National Medical Commission (NMC)."

In this second part we will review the role of nutrition, exercise, auriculotherapy with homoeopathy.

NUTRITION: As mentioned in part 1, Protein, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, and iron are critical during growth phases. Let’s take a bird’s eye view on the vegetarian protein sources since there is always confusion regarding this issue. Non-vegetarians have chicken, fish, eggs, etc. as regular food choices to get their complete protein.

✅ Vegetarian Sources of Complete Protein:
Soybeans and soy products (tofu, tempeh, soy milk): Contains all 9 essential AAs
Amaranth (Rajgira): Rich in lysine & methionine
Chia seeds: Contains complete protein + omega-3
Wheatgrass/Moringa: Contains some protein and micronutrients
Dairy products (milk, curd, paneer) Casein and whey are complete proteins.

Incomplete Protein? → Combine to Complete
Many traditional Indian vegetarian staples (dals like moong, chana, tur, rajma, urad; grains, cereals, millets like wheat, ragi, jowar, bajra, oats, brown rice are incomplete proteins, but become complete when combined properly:
Combination (Amino Acids Complemented)
Dal + Rice (pulses + cereal): Methionine from rice complements lysine from dal
Rajma/Chana + Roti: Similar complementation
Khichdi (moong + rice): Balanced and easy to digest
Peanut + Poha or Upma or Chutney + Idli/dosa/uttappa: Common and well-liked Indian recipes.

Clinical Relevance:
• For children with growth concerns, vegetarian child athletes these combinations are critical to meet daily protein and amino acid requirements.
• Ensure calcium, zinc, vitamin-D, vitamin B12 and iron supplementation if found deficient. Supplementation of other micronutrients needed as per the case requirements.

EXERCISE: Plays a crucial role and must be promoted.
Safe Weight-Bearing Activities for Children:
Activity with Benefits and Notes -
Walking (brisk pace): Low-impact bone loading. Daily walks are simple and effective.
Running or Jogging: Stimulates GH release. Ensure proper footwear to prevent injuries.
Skipping Rope: High-impact; improves coordination and bone strength. Keep short durations initially.
Climbing stairs: Excellent lower limb strength. Can be easily integrated into daily routine.
Jumping (on ground or trampoline): High bone loading on legs. Trampoline use under strict supervision.
Dancing (esp. folk or aerobic styles): Combines rhythm, movement, and bone loading. Fun and engaging for children.
Playing outdoor games (e.g., cricket, football, volleyball, hockey, kho-kho, kabaddi): Combines weight-bearing and cardio. Very relevant for physical and mental development.
Martial arts (e.g., karate, taekwondo): Enhances flexibility, balance, and bone stress. Needs professional instruction and supervision.
Gymnastics (basic levels): Excellent for posture and bone loading. Should be age-appropriate.
Yoga (with postures like Vrikshasana, Tadasana): Improves posture, stretches spine. Under supervision and guidance.

Activities NOT Considered Weight-Bearing:
• Swimming (great for cardio, but non-weight-bearing)
• Cycling (minimal vertical bone loading)
• Watching TV or mobile gaming (sedentary)

Important Pediatric Considerations:
• Children should exercise at least 60 minutes/day (as per WHO guidelines).
• Avoid overtraining, especially in prepubertal age, to prevent growth plate injuries.
• Encourage hydration, nutrition, and sleep to support the effects of physical activity.

ROLE OF AURICULOTHERAPY:
Auricular therapy is a form of reflex therapy where the external ear (auricle) is stimulated using acupressure, electrical stimulation, or seeds. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on the principles of acupuncture, the ear reflects a microsystem of the entire body.
It has no side-effects.
Can be given with any conventional line of treatment (allopathy, homoeopathy, ayurvedic) since it does not interfere with any medicine.

Basis for Height Increase - In children and adolescents, auricular therapy is believed to support:
• Stimulation of pituitary gland → optimal growth hormone (GH) secretion.
• Regulation of endocrine system.
• Improvement in appetite, sleep, and nutrient absorption, indirectly promoting growth.
• Modulation of musculoskeletal balance and spinal posture.

ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY:
Believes in an individual and constitutional approach in treating any condition.
Helps in removing the underlying constitutional defect.
Improves digestion, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients. Improves immunity against frequent infections.
Improves overall well-being mentally and physically without side-effects.
Very effective in treating stress related disorders (yes, children too are stressed and the symptoms are often hidden).
Thus, it addresses many underlying causes which can be a hinderance to normal growth and development in children.

Please visit clinic or DM me for further queries.

"Complementary Approaches to Optimize Growth & Development in Growing Children with Auriculotherapy and Homeopathy" PART 1:

DISCLAIMER

Supporting Natural Growth in Children – The Holistic Way!

Growth in children is influenced by multiple factors — nutrition, physical activity, sleep, genetics, and overall well-being.

In my clinic, I support growth and development through an integrative approach:

Balanced diet rich in calcium, protein, and micronutrients

Simple height-supportive exercises, yoga, and posture correction

Homeopathy as a supportive tool in improving digestion, immunity, and correction of constitution.

Auriculotherapy to stimulate natural growth response and endocrine balance

These methods are supportive and aim to assist natural growth processes — especially when started early. I always encourage a holistic, non-invasive, child-friendly approach. Results vary from child to child and depend on many individual factors.

"The therapies mentioned are used in a supportive capacity and are not a replacement for pediatric consultation when needed. No guaranteed results are claimed. This post is shared for educational purposes in line with ethical guidelines issued by the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act and National Medical Commission (NMC)."

Let’s review the factors affecting the growth and development wrt height of a human being based on medical and biological relevance.

WHERE IT HAPPENS:

Long Bones:

The long bones in the arms (like the humerus, radius, and ulna) and legs (like the femur, tibia, and fibula) are the main contributors to height increase because they have growth plates that allow for lengthening.

Other Bones:

While long bones are the primary source of height increase, other bones like the vertebrae in the spine also contribute to overall height.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASE IN HEIGHT:

Apart from genetics and family history -

Nutrition (will be discussed further in part 2)

Protein, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, and iron are critical during growth phases.

Malnutrition during childhood (especially first 5 years) can lead to stunting and growth issues.

Hormonal Factors

Growth Hormone (GH): Essential for longitudinal bone growth.

Thyroid hormones: Deficiency (e.g. congenital hypothyroidism) causes growth retardation.

Estrogen/Testosterone: Promote pubertal growth spurt and epiphyseal closure.

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1): Mediates effects of GH.

Chronic Illness

Delayed or Abnormal Puberty: Chronic illnesses can disrupt the normal timing and progression of puberty, which is a crucial period for growth. Delayed puberty can lead to a shorter growth spurt and reduced adult height.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Some chronic conditions can affect appetite, nutrient absorption, or lead to increased nutritional needs, causing malnutrition and hindering growth.

Medication Side Effects: Certain medications used to treat chronic illnesses, like glucocorticoids, can also affect growth.

Disrupted Growth Hormone Axis: Chronic illnesses can interfere with the hormones and pathways that regulate growth.

Physical Activity/Exercise (will be discussed further in part 2)

Regular exercise, especially weight-bearing activities, stimulates GH secretion.

Sedentary lifestyle may negatively impact height during growth phase.

Sleep

Growth hormone secretion is pulsatile and maximal during deep sleep.

Poor sleep quality or sleep deprivation during childhood affects growth.

Psychosocial Stress

Severe emotional neglect, psychological stress, emotional deprivation, and psychosocial factors can cause stunted growth.

ROCKET SCIENCE (HOW, WHY, WHAT):

Growth Plates: Epiphyseal plates are made of cartilage and are located at the ends of long bones like the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone).

Endochondral Ossification: Bone growth in length occurs through a process called endochondral ossification, where cartilage is replaced by bone.

Chondrocytes: Specialized cartilage cells called chondrocytes in the growth plate divide, mature, and eventually become bone, leading to bone lengthening.

Growth Hormone and Other Factors: Growth hormone, along with other hormones like insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), plays a crucial role in stimulating growth plate activity and overall bone growth.

Epiphyseal Fusion: As puberty progresses, the growth plates gradually close, a process called epiphyseal fusion. This is influenced by hormones like estrogen and testosterone.

Limited Height Increase After Closure: Once the growth plates are completely fused, further significant height increase is generally not possible.

Will review role of nutrition, exercise, auriculotherapy with homoeopathy in the next article (PART 2).

Auriculotherapy Using Seeds: A Natural Path to Wellness

                                       

Auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture/acupressure is an ancient healing practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This therapeutic method stimulates specific points on the outer ear to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. One of the most accessible and non-invasive forms of auriculotherapy involves using seeds to apply gentle pressure to these points.

How It Works

Seeds, generally from the Vaccaria plant, are affixed to specific ear points using small adhesive patches. The ear is considered a micro-system representing the entire body, with different points corresponding to organs, systems, and emotional states. By applying continuous pressure to these points, the seeds help stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

Benefits of Seed Auriculotherapy

• Pain Relief: Effective for headaches, neck and back pain, arthritis, and joint discomfort.
• Stress Reduction: Helps alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and emotional imbalances.
• Addiction Support: Assists in managing cravings for smoking, alcohol, or other habits.
• Digestive Health: Aids in relieving acidity, indigestion and other gastrointestinal issues.
• Hormonal Balance: Supports menstrual health and alleviates menopausal symptoms.

How to Use Ear Seeds (consulting an Auriculotherapy practitioner)

1. Clean the ear area with an alcohol swab.
2. Identify the target points.
3. Place the seeds on the designated points.
4. Apply gentle pressure to the seeds several times a day to enhance their effect.
5. Replace the seeds after 3/5/7 days.

Why Choose Seed Therapy?

Ear seeds are a natural, painless, and drug-less option. They empower individuals to take an active role in their health without the need for invasive procedures or medications.

Whether used alone or as a complement to other treatments like allopathy, homoeopathy or ayurvedic, auriculotherapy with seeds offers a simple yet powerful way to support overall well-being. Always consult a qualified practitioner for personalized guidance and to maximize the benefits of this holistic practice.

Post in the comments for any doubts or queries.