Acupuncture for Pediatrics

From tiny newborns to teenagers, acupuncture and herbs can be a gentle and effective addition to you child’s pediatric care.  Acupuncture can provide support with all aspects of your child’s health including digestive problems, immune support, behavioral symptoms, and sleep problems.

COLIC

Babies who suffer from colic can benefit greatly from acupuncture, acupressure and pediatric tuina. Tanya will also work with the mother to uncover any potential sources of food allergies or irritants in the breast milk or formula. Tiny babies often tolerate acupuncture very well and results are usually seen quickly.

ALLERGIES

Allergies occur when the immune system mounts an attack on something harmless such as pollen or pet dander. Children can be particular prone to allergies as their immune systems develop with growth. Asthma, hay fever, eczema, behavioural problems, insomnia, and digestive problems can all stem from underlying allergies and can be treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. For many  pediatric patients, acupuncture brings almost immediate relief. For those children who do not wish to receive acupuncture, Tanya can perform acupressure and other pediatric massage techniques with similar results. Children tolerate acupuncture surprisingly well and needle retention time is adjusted accordingly.

DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

Babies naturally have very weak digestion, but sometimes problems like colic, acid reflux, hernias, and food allergies can cause discomfort and problems with sleep. Acupuncture and acupressure as well as gentle, safe pediatric herbal formulas can be an effective way to help correct minor digestive disorders so that your baby’s gut can develop in a healthy way. 

ASTHMA

Several clinical trials have shown that acupuncture may help improve asthma symptoms in both adults and children. In Tanya's experience she has found that acupuncture works best in combination with herbs to clear phlegm and alleviate wheezing as well as exploring potential sources of food and environmental allergens. 

BEDWETTING

Bedwetting is a common part of potty training for children, but sometimes it can cause anxiety for both the parents and child. Most children have dry nights by the age of 5, but every child develops bladder control differently. Since this can be a hormonal or neurological issue, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be an effective treatment.

PEDIATRIC INSOMNIA

Insomnia in children can lead to behavioral problems, lethargy, short attention span, and memory problems as well as sleep deprivation for parents. Just as acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be a great natural way to help correct insomnia in adults, it can also benefit children. Our treatments seek to correct the underlying root cause of the insomnia rather than using sedatives to force sleep.

ADHD AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS

ADHD and behavioral problems can often be effectively managed with acupuncture and Chinese herbs in children. Some children respond very well to dietary changes as well, which leads to a lasting solution for these issues. 

ANXIETY

Just as acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help manage adult anxiety, it can also be an effective treatment for children. Pediatric stress levels vary as children grow and also differ from child to child. We find that children receiving acupuncture for any condition are calmer when they leave and this effect continues over time with regular treatments.