Pediatric Acupuncture

Pediatric acupuncture, also called Shonishin, is a gentle, safe, and effective way to support children’s health and well-being. 

This method uses different tools or hands to stimulate and applying pressure to acupuncture points in order to balance the Qi and trigger the body’s natural healing processes. 

This approach is safe and comfortable for children, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free experience. As your child grows into a teenager we may consider using regular acupuncture for specific issues such as sports injuries, skin conditions, or other concerns.  

Whether addressing digestive issues, respiratory conditions, skin problems, or general wellness, our pediatric treatments aim to naturally address your health concerns. 

Digestive Issues 

Helps alleviate colic, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and other gastrointestinal concerns by regulating digestion and promoting gut health.

Respiratory Problems 

Supports children dealing with allergies, asthma, and frequent colds by strengthening their immune system and reducing inflammation.

Skin Conditions 

Assists in managing issues like eczema by balancing the body’s internal systems, reducing heat, and improving skin health holistically. For teenagers, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help acne. 

Sleep Disturbances 

Promotes better sleep patterns by calming the nervous system and addressing underlying imbalances causing sleep disruptions.

Immune Support and Wellness

Regular treatments can enhance a child’s immune system, helping them stay resilient during times of illness and seasonal changes.

Pediatric acupuncture treats not just the symptoms but also addresses the root causes of health concerns, providing comprehensive care for little ones and bigger kids too. 

We also use acupressure which is light pressure applied to specific acupuncture points to stimulate the healing process.  

For teenagers and older children who are comfortable and at ease, we may use regular acupuncture. 

Age Grouping for Different Types of Pediatric Acupuncture

Pediatric acupuncture treatments are tailored to the developmental stage and individual needs of each child. We take into account the age, comfort level, and specific health concerns when choosing the most appropriate technique. 

Here’s how we group treatments based on age:

Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (0-5 years)

Shonishin: This needle-free technique is ideal for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, as it involves light stroking, tapping, and rubbing of the skin using rounded tools. It helps with common issues like colic, digestive discomfort, chronic ear aches, sleep disturbances, and others.

Acupressure: Light finger pressure on specific points can be applied during cuddling or soothing, making it an easy, safe, and effective option for infants.

School-Aged Children (6-12 years)

Children in this age group are open to a wider range of treatments. Shonishin and Acupressure remain effective, but we may also introduce gentle needling. With proper preparation and explanation, some children in this age group may be comfortable with short stimulation of acupuncture. We keep sessions short and make the environment playful and relaxing to ensure they have a positive experience.

Teenagers (13-17 years)

Teenagers often present with more complex health concerns such as hormonal imbalances, skin issues (e.g., acne), digestive issues, stress, and sports injuries. For this age group, regular acupuncture techniques and manual techniques such as cupping or gua sha can also be appropriate. 

For conditions like acne, we may recommend treatments such as LED light therapy and herbal medicine.

What to Expect During a Pediatric Acupuncture Session

Our pediatric acupuncture sessions are designed to be gentle, comforting, and effective, ensuring that both the child and their parents feel at ease throughout the process. 

Here’s what you can expect during a visit:

Initial Consultation

We begin with a thorough consultation to understand the child’s health history, current symptoms, and overall wellness goals. I often start with a consultation over the phone before we meet as this streamlines the treatment in the office. 

Creating a Child-Friendly Environment

Our treatment rooms are designed to be welcoming and engaging for children of all ages. We use toys, soft lighting, and soothing sounds to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Each session is customized, ensuring the child’s unique health concerns are addressed while maintaining a comfortable and calming experience.

Duration and Frequency of Sessions

Sessions for younger children are typically short, lasting around 15-30 minutes, to accommodate shorter attention spans. 

Older children and teenagers may have slightly longer sessions, ranging from 30-45 minutes, depending on their comfort level and the complexity of their treatment needs.

Frequency varies based on the condition being treated. For acute issues, we may recommend weekly sessions initially, gradually decreasing as the child’s health improves.

Our goal is to make each pediatric acupuncture session a positive, healing experience for children, setting the foundation for improved health and well-being.

Gua Sha and Cupping for Kids

Gua Sha and cupping are gentle and effective techniques used in pediatric acupuncture to support children’s health.

Here’s how we use them for children:

Herbal Medicine for Kids

Herbal medicine is a valuable component of Chinese Medicine offering a natural and gentle way to support their health. 

We create personalized herbal formulas tailored to each child’s specific condition and constitution. After an initial assessment, we choose herbs that target the root cause of the issue while also providing symptom relief.

Pediatric herbal medicine often comes in easy-to-administer forms, such as powdered herbs or syrups.