Pediatric acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer an ideal approach to support children through their growth and development into adolescence. It is a safe and effective means to treat both acute and chronic illness. Through acupuncture and Chinese herbs we can increase their capacity for resisting illness and adapting to life’s challenges.
At Family Acupuncture & Wellness, we use a Japanese form of pediatric acupuncture called, Shonishin (sho=little, ni=children, shin=needle). Shonishin is a non-insertive form of acupuncture that utilizes special metal tools. These tools are gently brushed along the skin’s surface in order to stimulate the meridians or acupuncture pathways by using pressing, tapping, and rolling techniques. Other therapies that may be used during treatment include: Craniosacral therapy, Acutonics® (tuning forks), gua sha (dermal friction), cupping, and tui na massage. Most children find the treatment enjoyable and relaxing and look forward to future appointments.
Each session lasts about 15-25 minutes because children respond quickly to treatment. Shonishin, when begun at the onset of symptoms, can be considered as an alternative to many over the counter medications or antibiotics. Many parents bring in their children for “tune-up” treatments every 4-6 weeks to keep their immune systems strong and to prevent chronic imbalances from developing.
Common childhood illnesses treated with acupuncture and Chinese medicine are:
