Children can benefit from acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Each child is unique. We have multiple ways to work with a child during an acupuncture treatment. The techniques we use are gentle and safe for kids of all ages from one month old to 12 years old.
There are multiple techniques we use to give a child an acupuncture treatment. Techniques can include in and out needling with very small acupuncture needles, tapping, brushing, or using a point stimulator on acupuncture points or meridians, cupping, indirect moxibustion techniques, Chinese herbs, or tui-na techniques. A Japanese acupuncture technique called Shoni-shin uses special tools to brush and tap key acupuncture points on top of the skin. Shoni-shin is very effective for a wide range of health problems. This method is often used in children 2 or 3 years of age and under. It is relaxing to the nervous system, stimulates the immune system, and releases the body’s natural endorphins. This treatment helps with anxiety, irritability, digestive problems, constipation, insomnia, headaches, bed wetting, asthma, and many other health issues.
To see all of the ailments we can help your child with, please visit our “Conditions Treated” page.
Needles used with children are very small. Even smaller than needles used on adults. They are tapped in and then taken out. With older children they are left in for about 10 to 15 minutes. Children often report they did not feel the needle, or they feel a small pinch for only a second and then it is gone.
Children do not have to be perfectly still to get an effective treatment. we have worked with many kids of all ages. They have always gotten a positive effect from treatment no matter how much they move around.
Treatment Frequency
We recommend once per month for a healthy child. It helps to prevent illness, helps to improve digestion and sleep, supports energy, and decreases anxiety.
Children who have health issues need treatment more frequently in the beginning. Treatments have a cumulative effect. Each treatment builds on the last one, as long as they are close enough together.
Children’s Herbs
Chinese herbs are very effective with children. We have formulas specifically for them that are safe and gentle. We can also make custom formulas in our herbal pharmacy. The custom formulas are powders, that can be mixed with warm water and juice. These are tailored to the child, and only the safest herbs are used.
