Acupuncture for Children
According to traditional Chinese medicine, children's energetic systems differ from adults. A Japanese form of acupuncture called Shonishin was developed specifically for the treatment of children. Shonishin uses small tools to gently tap, rub, brush, or press on the skin along energetic channels. A teishin, or touching needle, may be used to stimulate specific acupuncture points.
Older children may choose to have very fine needles inserted in a few points.
What Can Pediatric Acupuncture Treat?
Parents often chose to try acupuncture because they want to limit the drugs their child is exposed to. Shonishin acupuncture activates and enhances a child's natural healing ability. It has been used successfully to treat many common childhood ailments, including:
- Allergies and asthma
- Frequent colds and respiratory illnesses
- Coughs
- Ear infections
- Digestive disorders including colic, constipation and diarrhea
- Headaches and migraines
- Bed-wetting, nightmares and insomnia
- Pain from teething
- Anxiety and hyperactivity
- Skin conditions such as acne and eczema
Our office offers pediatric acupuncture for babies and children ages 0 to 12 years old. If you have questions about whether acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine could be used to treat your child's particular medical condition, please call our office for a consultation: 401-743-9533.
Acupuncture treatments can complement Western medicine. Dr. Lee can work with your primary care doctor or pediatrician to provide your child with the most comprehensive care.
When Should Treatment Begin?
Children should begin treatment at the onset of symptoms or soon after a diagnosis has been made by a primary care physician. Ideally treatments should be administered twice a week for acute conditions like colds, coughs, teething and ear infections to ensure a rapid recovery. For chronic conditions like allergies, hyperactivity and skin problems, regular preventative treatments over a longer period of time will be beneficial.
What is a Treatment Session Like?
Because children respond so quickly, their treatment sessions generally take only 15 to 30 minutes. We strongly encourage parents and guardians to remain in the treatment room with the child. Your acupuncturist can teach you simple at-home techniques you can use to enhance your child's healing between treatments.
