Acupuncture and Kids: Frequently Asked Questions from Caring Parents
Posted by Admin
Sometimes parents struggle with the thought of bringing their children in for acupuncture treatments. That’s because most people envision needles, and we all know how most kids feel about needles. But in reality, acupuncture and kids go together beautifully, without the adverse reactions that can occur with other treatments.
Below are some of the questions we hear from parents who are seeking safe, effective healthcare for their children.
Is acupuncture safe for my child?
Yes, acupuncture is a wonderful and gentle way to treat children without the use of drugs or other invasive methods. Acupuncture is a natural way of stimulating the body so that it can heal itself. It reduces inflammation, stimulates the immune system, and helps get the body back into balance.
Acupuncture has been used for more than 2,000 years and has been proven to be safe for children. In a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers looked at a number of studies on the safety of acupuncture for kids and reinforced its reliability when performed by fully trained, licensed acupuncturists. It is actually safer than many common drugs we buy at the pharmacy and give to our children.
What if my child is scared of needles?
First, acupuncture for kids doesn’t always have to involve the use needles. The acupuncture points can be stimulated in other ways, such as using acupressure, so most of the time we don’t need to use needles on kids.
When needles are used, they are very small and fine, and are inserted very superficially. Most times people don’t even notice when they are placed. For young children, the needles are removed immediately. For older children, needles are left in for as little as two minutes and no more than 20 minutes, depending on the child.
The children we treat love acupuncture! Many are feeling better after their first visit and leave with happy smiles.
What conditions or diseases is acupuncture used to treat?
Acupuncture is effective for treating a broad range of conditions or diseases. These include:
- Headaches
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Chronic ear infections
- ADD/ADHD
- Autism
- Eczema
- Chronic rhinitis
- Digestive disorders
- Pain
The idea of holistic health isn’t just putting a band aid on for temporary relief, acupuncture finds the root of the problem and remedies it, stopping the chain reaction that can result from a chronic problem.
Talk to us about kids and acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a safe, effective, drug-free alternative for helping your child feel better and improving his or her overall health. If you still have questions about kids and acupuncture or would like to book an appointment, give us a call or stop in for a visit. We are happy to answer any questions, and our fully trained and highly experienced professionals will put you and your child at ease.
