for English, see below
Für den Thementag Kinderheilkunde, der auf diesem TCM-Kongress zum 17. Mal stattfinden wird, suchen wir immer aktuelle Themen, über die in Büchern noch nicht viel publiziert wurde. Diesmal wird uns die Kinderärztin Dr. Gali Stoffman die deutlichen Parallelen zwischen moderner Mikrobiomforschung und den Konzepten der klassischen Chinesischen Medizin zu Milz, Yi und der Wandlungsphase Erde beleuchten. Beide betonen die zentrale Bedeutung des Darms für Verdauung, kognitiven Fähigkeiten und die physische und emotionale Entwicklung im Kindesalter.
Aktuelle Studien belegen, dass das kindliche Darmmikrobiom stark von Ernährung, emotionalem Umfeld, Stress und Lebensstil beeinflusst wird – genau jene Faktoren, die in der TCM den Zustand von Milz und Yi prägen.
Der Vortrag bietet einen leicht verständlichen Überblick über wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse, TCM-Theorie und praktische Behandlungsansätze wie Ernährung, Akupunktur, Kinder-Tuina und Kräuterheilkunde um das Darmmikrobiom sowie die Mitte der Kinder zu stärken.
Kurssprache ist Englisch
For Theme day Paediatrics which will be held for the 17th time at this TCM congress, we are always looking for current topics that have not yet been widely published in books.
This time, paediatrician Dr Gali Stoffman will shed light on the clear parallels between modern microbiome research and the concepts of classical Chinese medicine on the spleen, Yi and the Earth phase of transformation. Both emphasise the central importance of the gut for digestion, cognitive abilities and physical and emotional development in childhood.
Recent studies show that the child's gut microbiome is strongly influenced by diet, emotional environment, stress and lifestyle – precisely those factors that shape the condition of the spleen and Yi in TCM.
The lecture offers an easy-to-understand overview of scientific findings, TCM theory and practical treatment approaches
such as nutrition, acupuncture, paediatric Tuina and herbal medicine to strengthen the gut microbiome and the centre of children.
The course language is English.

Emerging research on the gut microbiome closely aligns with classical Chinese Medicine concepts of Spleen, Yi and the Earth element. Both perspectives emphasize the gut’s central role in digestion, cognition, physical and emotional development—particularly during childhood.
In Chinese Medicine, the Earth element, Spleen and Yi, are considered fundamental to postnatal growth and development, especially in the early years of life. They govern not only digestion and nourishment but also mental processing and emotional stability, forming the foundation for both physical and psycho-emotional maturation. In simpler terms, the Spleen and Yi support a child’s ability to grow, integrate experiences, and feel safe in the world—it provides the root of resilience for both body and mind.
Modern research reveals that the gut microbiome plays key roles in metabolism, immune modulation, neurotransmitter production and hormonal regulation. It is closely linked to cognitive and emotional development, with dysbiosis associated with conditions such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
In infants, the microbiome is shaped not only by breastfeeding and maternal diet, but also by the mother’s emotional state and presence. Stress, antibiotic use, sleep quality, and daily habits—including time spent in nature—all influence microbial balance in young children. Chinese medicine describes the very same factors as affecting the energetic state of the Spleen and Yi and of the Earth element in infants and toddlers.
These similarities and parallels demonstrate the deep connection between the concepts of Spleen, Yi and Earth with the growing understanding of the gut microbiome.
In my upcoming talk, we will explore this relationship:
• We will describe the gut microbiome and its physiological functions.
• We will discuss the Chinese Medicine concepts of Earth and Yi, along with related developmental pathologies.
• Finally, we will view treatment approaches to support a healthy gut ecosystem, optimal development, cognitive clarity, and emotional balance—through acupuncture, dietary and lifestyle interventions, pediatric tuina and herbal medicine.