Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine to promote healing and balance in the body. Today, this practice has become increasingly popular in the Western world, with many people turning to acupuncture as an alternative or complementary therapy for a variety of health conditions. Pediatric acupuncture, in particular, is a growing field, with more parents seeking out this therapy for their children.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine sterile needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points found across the body to promote healing. The practice of acupuncture is based on the belief that the body has an energy force, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”), that flows through channels or meridians in the body. The goal of acupuncture is to balance and regulate this flow of Qi, which can become disrupted due to various factors such as illness, stress, or environmental factors.
The body is naturally designed to self-heal and self-regulate. Acupuncture helps aid the body to homeostasis (it’s natural state of self-healing/self-regulation). Pediatric acupuncture works by stimulating the child’s natural healing abilities and to bring about homeostasis. At a young age, children tend to heal very quickly because they have incredible blood flow and receptive energy. In fact, children tend to respond quicker than adults to the treatments for that very reason.
Different techniques are used depending on the age of the child and/or the sensitivity level of the child. Some include non-needle methods such as: gentle massage of the acupuncture channels and points with magnets, small metal balls, or acupressure tools. Acupressure is when pressure is applied to the acupuncture points instead of needles which produces the same effect. Another non-needle technique is moxibustion – a technique that involves burning dried mugwort to stimulate specific acupuncture points on the body. The heat generated by the burning mugwort is believed to help promote healing and balance within the body.
Acupuncture is often painless due to the gentleness and thinness of the needles. For children who are comfortable with being needled, the practitioner will use specific acupuncture needles used for children; which are generally smaller and thinner than those used for adults, typically ranging from 0.16mm to 0.20mm in diameter. The smaller needles are less invasive and cause less discomfort, making them more tolerable for children. The acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the body, which correspond to different organs and systems in the body. The stimulation of these points help to promote the flow of Qi and restore balance and harmony to the body.
Pediatric acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of conditions in children, including respiratory disorders, allergies, digestive problems, sleep disorders, and behavioral issues.
Western research on pediatric acupuncture has grown significantly over the past few decades. Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for children. For example, a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and anxiety in children undergoing surgery. Another study published in the journal Pediatrics found that acupuncture was effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines in children and adolescents. In addition, research has shown that acupuncture is generally safe for children when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner.