Q - Does it hurt?

A - The acupuncture needles are very fine and are inserted with minimal sensation. Babies under
the age of two rarely feel them going in at all. After about 2 years of age, children may feel a tiny
pinch, not more so than a mosquito bite. There is usually minimal or no needle retention time as
compared to adult treatments. Babies tend to be very curious about the needles and love to play
with the guide-tubes making it a fun and desirable experience for them.
 

Q - What is the appropriate age for a child to receive acupuncture?

A - Acupuncture is appropriate for children of all ages starting at birth all throughout childhood. One
of the many benefits of Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture, is that often times it minimizes
the need for harsher medications and more invasive medical interventions. For children that are
either afraid of or don’t feel comfortable with acupuncture, there are other modalities available
that do not use needles and do not puncture the skin such as TuiNa, Shoni Shin, cutaneous
electrical stimulation, cupping, and moxibustion.

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Q - What are the needle-free modalities?

A - Some of the needle-free modalities that we use to stimulate the acupuncture points are:
 

●   Shoni Shin:  A Japanese needle-free modality that uses shiny metal tools to roll,
     brush, and gently stimulate the acupuncture channels and points without
     puncturing the skin.

●  TuiNa:  Pediatric TuiNa is a gentle Chinese medical massage.

●  Cutaneous Electrical Stimulation:  Regulates the flow of Qi with the use of a
    TENS unit.

●  Cupping:  Creates a gentle myofascial release and is particularly good at
    releasing built up phlegm and treating cough. For babies, toddlers and younger
    children we use either silicone cups or plastic Korean Suction Cups that require
    minimal retention time and don’t require the use of fire. For older children and
    teens, we may opt for fire cupping which does require the use of fire and a
    slightly longer retention time.

●  Moxibustion:  A warming technique in which the herb mugwort is burned near
    a point, channel, or area of the body. This works great for digestive issues, to
    improve appetite, increase energy, and eliminate pain.

​

Q - How long does each treatment last?

A - The length of treatment varies based on the age of the child and the condition(s) being treated.
The younger the child is, the shorter the treatment. Usually the first visit may last an hour to an
hour and a half. Follow-up treatments last about thirty minutes to an hour. Children usually react
really fast and really well to acupuncture because their Qi (vital energy) is strong at that age.
 

Q - How many treatments will my child need and how often?

A - The number and frequency of treatments is determined on a case by case basis and depends
on the following factors:

●  Severity of the symptoms
●  Duration of the symptoms
●  Child’s Qi (vital energy)

Usually relapses and exacerbation's lessen greatly over time and sometimes one treatment may
be enough to restore the body’s ability to defend itself from disease. Other times a series of
treatments is required.

 

Q - When should my child receive treatments?

A - The best time for a child to receive treatment is as soon as symptoms arise. For certain
conditions it is best to schedule treatments early or as a preventative measure. This can
decrease the number of treatments needed and possibly the amount of medications the child
would need to consume.

 

Q - Can Chinese herbs be used to treat children?

A - Yes. Chinese herbal formulas tailored specifically for babies, toddlers and children are used to
treat many ailments in pediatric traditional Chinese medicine. The herbs used are of the highest
quality, third party tested, and are proven to be safe. Formulas are customized based on the
child’s age and condition and can be prescribed as tinctures, teas, powders or pills. Many of the
herbs that we use have antibacterial and antiviral properties while others work to promote the
body’s inherent ability to heal itself.

 

Q - Can my child’s diet be contributing to their malaise?

A - Absolutely. Diet plays a vital role in the health and well-being of infants and young children (as
well as in adults). We discuss your child’s eating habits during treatment and make dietary
recommendations on a case by case basis.

 

Q - What are some of the most common conditions treated in children?

A -

- ADHD
- Adverse reactions to vaccines
- Agitation
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Asthma
- Bed-wetting
- Chronic ear infections
- Colds
- Colic
- Difficulty concentrating
- Digestive issues
- Eczema
- Pain
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Secondary effects of medication
- Sleeping difficulties
- Teething
- Toothaches
- Transition into puberty
- Weakened Immune System

 

Q - Can multiple diseases be treated simultaneously?

A -The treatment plan depends on both the disease(s) and the child. In Traditional Chinese
Medicine we look for the root cause of the problem as well as the branch. Different issues can
stem from the same root cause, therefore by treating the root, several symptoms can be
addressed at once. Treatments can also be broken down to address different issues even if
they don’t have the same root cause, provided that the child isn’t too young or too weakened by
the disease.