Acupuncture for Children (Acupediatrics)
From newborns to teenagers, acupuncture can be a gentle and effective addition to your child’s care. Acupuncture and acupressure can be used for pediatric health conditions such as colic, allergies, asthma, digestive disorders, bedwetting, ADHD, anxiety, and more.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, hair-width, stainless steel needles into the skin. It is sometimes accompanied by other modalities such as gua sha, cupping, and acupressure. Acupressure refers to the practice of stimulating acupuncture points without the insertion of needles, and it is typically used for babies and younger children. Providers will often recommend diet and lifestyle changes along with treatment, and may recommend herbal medicine as well.
Children tend to tolerate acupuncture, acupressure, and most pediatric herbal medicines well. In fact, the pediatric formula herbal medicines at Love Acupuncture & Wellness were specifically created with children in mind: the dosages and ingredients are specially chosen to be tolerated well, without a mess or hassle for parents.
Acupuncture is a safe treatment for children. One systematic review, a method of research that involves aggregating and analyzing data from many different studies, concluded, “…acupuncture is a safe complementary/alternative medicine modality for pediatric patients on the basis of the data we reviewed.”
In fact, acupuncture is such a safe and often effective method of treatment that pediatric clinics and children’s hospitals across the national have integrated acupuncture as a tool in treatment. According to The Washington Post, about one in three pediatric pain clinics and centers in the U.S. offer acupuncture to their patients as a part of their regular treatment. In fact, even institutions such as Johns Hopkins Medicine run pediatric acupuncture clinics to treat conditions ranging from pain to digestive issues to sleep and mood problems.
One reason for this widespread use is because pediatric acupuncture is effective. Pacific College reports on several studies in which children treated with acupuncture found benefits after treatment for chronic pain, migraines, and more. The relief they found was significant, with most reporting that they went from an 8 on an eight-out-of-ten pain scale down to a three after just a few treatments.
One pilot study looking into acupediatrics for anxiety found “promising results” on the effectiveness of acupuncture for this particular mood disorder. Study participants found their anxiety decreased, and the children involved reported little to no adverse effects.
Whether your child struggles with anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, chronic pain, or other common pediatric health concerns, acupuncture can be a safe and effective addition to their care. Acupuncturists will approach your child with the same care and holistic outlook as they would anyone else and work closely with the child and their parents to create a tolerable and effective treatment plan.
If you’re interested in acupuncture services for your child, we encourage you to reach out to us via email at info@loveacu.net or call our offices at (503) 343 9851 to learn more about how we may be able to help set your child up for a healthy life.
If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. Do not wait for an appointment with us. We do not and cannot provide urgent or emergent care. Our providers are equipped and happy to help you and your child with chronic and ongoing health conditions.
For Further Reading:
“The Benefits of Acupuncture for Children,” Pacific College of Health & Science.
“Pediatric Acupuncture Clinic,” Johns Hopkins Medicine, Pediatric Pain Management.