Type 6 / 6 Children's Special

Adenoid Hypertrophy

Spleen-stomach accumulation heat drives heat and phlegm upward via the channels to the nasopharynx, causing adenoid hypertrophy that blocks the posterior nasal passage and airway. This is the leading cause of snoring in children and warrants close parental attention to prevent effects on facial and intellectual development.

Tongue & Pulse Thick greasy coating, or red tongue with yellow coating; slippery-rapid pulse

Who Is Most Affected

Children aged 2–10Children who love meat, eggs, dairy, and snacksChildren with recurrent colds and allergic rhinitisChildren with constipation or food-accumulation constitution

Common Symptoms

  • Mouth breathing during sleep with obvious snoring
  • Restless nighttime sleep, frequent turning
  • Recurrent colds and rhinitis, chronic nasal congestion
  • Thick tongue coating, bad breath, poor appetite
  • Severe cases: adenoid facies (misaligned teeth, narrow nasal wings)
  • Poor daytime attention, declining school performance

Treatment Focus

1 Clear heat, dissipate nodules, resolve food accumulation and phlegm
2 Light dinner at 70% capacity; no food within 2 hours of bedtime
3 Limit total intake of meat, eggs, and dairy to reduce spleen-stomach heat
4 ENT evaluation when necessary; discuss surgical timing

Representative Formula

Xiao Xian Tang (Strengthen Spleen, Resolve Accumulation, Clear Heat, Dissipate Nodules)

Zhe Bei Mu (dissolves phlegm, dissipates nodules)Shan Hai Luo (clears heat, detoxifies, dissipates nodules)Jiang Can (dissolves phlegm, dissipates nodules, unblocks channels)Chi Shao (clears heat, cools blood)Bai Zhi (opens nasal orifices)Shan Zha, Mai Ya (resolve food accumulation)Ban Zhi Lian (clears heat, detoxifies)

⚠️ Chinese herbs should be used under guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner. Do not self-prescribe.

Recommended Acupoints

Press each point for 1-2 min, 1-2 times daily
1 Ying Xiang (LI 20)

📍 Lateral to the midpoint of the nasal wing, in the nasolabial groove

Opens nasal orifices, dispels wind-heat, improves nasal congestion

2 Yin Tang (EX-HN 3)

📍 Midpoint between the two eyebrows

Opens nasal orifices, clears the head and eyes, relieves nasal congestion and headache

3 Zu San Li (ST 36)

📍 3 cun below the knee, one finger-width lateral to the tibia

Strengthens spleen and stomach, aids digestion, reduces heat accumulation

Dietary Guidance

Recommended
  • Hawthorn and malt tea (resolve food accumulation)
  • White radish, winter melon (clear heat, dissolve phlegm)
  • Millet porridge, vegetable-based light diet
  • Pear juice, lily and lotus seed soup (moisten lungs, clear heat)
Avoid
  • Snacks, puffed foods, candy
  • Excess dairy (generates phlegm)
  • Fried foods and grilled meats
  • Cold drinks and ice cream

Lifestyle Adjustments

  • 1 Regular ENT follow-up every 3–6 months
  • 2 Sleep on the side using a specially designed children's pillow
  • 3 Increase outdoor exercise to strengthen constitution and immunity
  • 4 Parents learn pediatric Tui Na massage techniques as supplemental care

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