Pediatric Acupuncture

Yes, children benefit from acupuncture, too!

Commonly treated ailments include digestive issues, trouble sleeping, headaches, asthma, eczema, rashes, colds and flus, ear infections, bedwetting, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, teething pains, growing pains, and moodiness or other emotional disturbances.

In addition to acupuncture (or if your child is afraid of needles), we may use non-insertive japanese techniques, teishin, cupping, gua sha, acupressure, herbs, essential oils, tuning forks, and/or moxa to improve your child’s health.

What to Expect

A typical first treatment for a child is similar to one for an adult in that we go over your child’s health history and current symptoms, look at his or her tongue, take the pulse and sometimes do a little palpation.  We then use acupuncture, acupressure, tuning fork or other techniques on several points on your child.  If applicable, we may prescribe an herbal or essential oil formula for you to continue the treatment principles at home. We usually like to see children 2-3 times, about a week apart, and then reassess.

We find treating children to be inspiring and illuminating because they typically improve very quickly.  Children embody yang energy – they have more heat and energy, they grow quickly, and their symptoms can change rapidly.  This yang nature enables them to recover speedily, often in one or two treatments. Certain disorders will take a longer course of treatment, but you and your child should notice a change and improvement after the first one or two sessions.

We take things at a pace that is comfortable for you and your child.  Scaring someone away from acupuncture is certainly not our desire!  Most children find acupuncture (or non-needle techniques) calming and enjoyable – they often love telling their friends and classmates about it!

Suggested Reading:

Keeping Your Child Healthy with Chinese Medicine: A Parent’s Guide