Acupuncture for Children

"I recommend acupuncture be used as an adjunctive therapy for children. Acupuncture is safe and effective. For patients who have no interest in taking additional medications or who are already receiving maximal medical treatment, acupuncture is a viable alternative."

- Dr. K. Kemper, Pediatrician at Brenner Children's Hospital

You may not think of acupuncture as an important piece of your child's health care, but in fact, it can be an important alternative therapy to help regain and maintain your child's health. An Acupuncturist can check the overall quality and balance of your child's life energy, called Qi (pronounced chee).

What is Qi? Think of Qi as water flowing through a garden hose. Water provides nourishment for flowers to grow and thrive. In order for this to happen the flowers need to receive an adequate and free flowing supply of water. If, over time, the amount of water was restricted, eventually the flowers would wilt, and wither.

Likewise, in order for a child to thrive and remain healthy, every part of his or her body requires an adequate and balanced supply of Qi flowing through it. Qi is the life energy that animates and vitalizes the body. It flows within the body through a series of pathways called Meridians, and provides nourishment for every cell, tissue, organ, and gland.

What affects Qi? In today's world, children are exposed to many stressors. Over time stressors build up and can cause problems. Here are a few stressors that can affect a childs health:

Accidents/falls: Children often fall and hurt themselves. Physical trauma blocks the free movement of Qi. Eventually, this can lead to less-than adequate nourishment for the body and organ systems.

Environment: Exposure to environmental and chemical hazards can have a direct impact upon a child's health. This may make them susceptible to things like colds, allergies, asthma, and digestive troubles.

Diet: As a parent, you are well aware that it is not easy to maintain a balanced diet for your child. A diet lacking in proper nutrition can affect organ function and eventually health and well-being. Acupuncture helps strengthen and support out-of-balance organs.

Emotions: Children may experience unpleasant situations that affect them emotionally. They can internalize the stress from these situations, and over time this stress can manifest into various signs and symptoms.

If not properly detected and cared for, stressors can lead to an inadequate supply of Qi necessary to nourish and support health. When this occurs, a child may not be able to completely thrive, and eventually symptoms and signs of illness, disease, and pain may appear.

How Does it Work? Your acupuncturist will begin by taking a full health history. This may include asking questions, assessing the pulses, looking at the tongue and/or abdominal palpation. These are effective diagnostic tools that enable your acupuncturist to obtain a clear picture of your child's overall health.

If signs of weakness, imbalance, or blockage are found, your acupuncturist may use a variety of noninvasive and gentle treatment methods to facilitate your child's natural ability to heal by restoring balance and the free flow of Qi. Some of these techniques may include: acupressure, herbs, tuina, pediatric massage, acupuncture, moxibustion or cupping.

An acupuncture checkup could be valuable in determining the present and future health and well-being of your child. Caring for your child's health with acupuncture is safe, natural, drug-free, and effective. The perfect way to allow your child to grow and thrive.

This article was provided by Acupuncture Media Works

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DAVID N. BOLE, Ph.D., A.P. is director of the Traditional Acupuncture Center, a holistic health care facility offering a multi-dimensional approach to health and healing. Read more about Dr. Bole...