Many parents are looking for ways to help their children heal in a safe and natural way. Acupuncture is an over 2000 year old medicine that is very effective in helping the body heal itself! People of all ages can benefit from this practice in treating acute and chronic ailments as well as promoting health and balance amongst the various stressors of the world around us.
Acupuncture promotes the body's innate healing potential and starting this process at a young age has countless health benefits!
Acupuncture promotes the body's innate healing potential and starting this process at a young age has countless health benefits!
PEDIATRIC Q & A
What age groups do you treat with pediatric acupuncture?
Treatment with this style of pediatric techniques are for newborn to age 10. Of course, this is a general rule and sometimes exception are made for some older children. Generally, children age 10 and up can be treated in our group space with more traditional acupuncture.
Does my child need to have something wrong with them in order to receive acupuncture?
One of the basic tenants of Chinese medicine is that prevention is always better that needing a cure. Some parents choose regular acupuncture to keep their children healthy through the normal process of growing. Others schedule acupuncture to help their children through various illnesses or health issues.
What are some of the conditions acupuncture can treat?
*Digestive Disorders: diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, nausea, pain, colic, poor appetite.
* Respiratory Disorders: asthma, colds, allergies
*Immune System Strengthening: frequent colds, ear infections, viruses, etc.
*Teething discomfort
*Headaches
*Anxiety
*ADHD
*Management of chronic illness
Will needles be used during my child’s treatment?
In some cases, very small needles may be used on your child. However, in many cases, we begin with non-needle treatment strategies. Some of the methods used are gentle stroking of the acupuncture channels and points on your child’s head, back, belly, legs and arms (called Shonishin) for an overall balancing of your child’s body. Shonishin is a Japanese technique in which small metal tools are tapped and glided gently over the skin to disperse areas of illness or stagnation and strengthen the body. Specific acupuncture points may then be treated with magnets, small metal balls (press balls), lasers or acupressure.
We will only try acupuncture needles with your child's consent and if they feel completely comfortable. We will never trick them into trying acupuncture! Pediatric Acupuncture needles are thinner than three hairs and nothing like needles used for blood tests or vaccines. We call the needle treatments “taps” because we simply tap the needle in quickly and gently and then remove it right away. As the children get more comfortable with the taps, they may choose to leave them in longer. Parents are pleasantly surprised when their children find the treatments easy, painless and even fun.
What are follow-up visits like?
Follow-up visits for children are 15 minutes long and take place in our stretching area. This allows for a one-on-one treatment in a semi-private setting that won’t disrupt the ‘grown-ups’ in the group treatment space. We will have time to check-in with both parent and child while giving their treatment to track the healing process, celebrate areas of improvement and note areas for further improvement. We will often note things that parents can do at home to further support the child's healing process.
How much do treatments cost?
The initial consultation & treatment is 45-minutes long and costs $75. Follow-up visits are 15-minutes long and cost $55 if you pay as you go, or $225 for a package of 5-visits ($45/each).
How does acupuncture work in children? What’s the science?
Modern scientific research has shown acupuncture to have specific biological effects: Acupuncture promotes the release of endorphins and enkephalins, which are pain blocking biochemical. When these hormones are released, blood flow in the body improves carrying with it beneficial nutrients, hormones and oxygen to the tissues and organs. It also activates the parasympathetic nervous system to move the body into a balanced state known as homeostasis.
Treating acupuncture channels and points is different in children than adults. Their bodies are working very hard to grow and develop and their energy (qi) is much closer to the surface of their bodies. Therefore, we can treat them using these non-invasive techniques more easily.
How many treatments will my child need and how often will he/she need to come?
Since every child is different, each plan will be customized to them. However, as a general rule most children respond very well to acupuncture and will see some response within the first few treatments. We usually start with 1-2 treatments per week and re-assess after 5-10 treatments.
Do you practice Chinese herbs or make supplement/self-care suggestions?
We’re so glad you asked! We are very passionate about helping to find all of the tools that are going to get your child feeling better. Often it takes a comprehensive approach including herbs and/or supplements, dietary changes, mindfulness practices etc. to truly bring about lasting change. Again, since each child is unique, we will custom these suggestions to each of their needs. We carry a complete line of pediatric herbal tinctures as well as some key supplements that can benefit your child’s overall health.
Are siblings allowed at the treatment?
In order to limit distraction for the patient, we strongly encourage one parent and one child to come together. Of course, we know this isn’t always possible, so if a sibling needs to join you, we ask that they remain in our waiting area during the session. Because we want to create a space of healing for your child, we also ask that the parent puts away their cell phones during their session.
Treatment with this style of pediatric techniques are for newborn to age 10. Of course, this is a general rule and sometimes exception are made for some older children. Generally, children age 10 and up can be treated in our group space with more traditional acupuncture.
Does my child need to have something wrong with them in order to receive acupuncture?
One of the basic tenants of Chinese medicine is that prevention is always better that needing a cure. Some parents choose regular acupuncture to keep their children healthy through the normal process of growing. Others schedule acupuncture to help their children through various illnesses or health issues.
What are some of the conditions acupuncture can treat?
*Digestive Disorders: diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, nausea, pain, colic, poor appetite.
* Respiratory Disorders: asthma, colds, allergies
*Immune System Strengthening: frequent colds, ear infections, viruses, etc.
*Teething discomfort
*Headaches
*Anxiety
*ADHD
*Management of chronic illness
Will needles be used during my child’s treatment?
In some cases, very small needles may be used on your child. However, in many cases, we begin with non-needle treatment strategies. Some of the methods used are gentle stroking of the acupuncture channels and points on your child’s head, back, belly, legs and arms (called Shonishin) for an overall balancing of your child’s body. Shonishin is a Japanese technique in which small metal tools are tapped and glided gently over the skin to disperse areas of illness or stagnation and strengthen the body. Specific acupuncture points may then be treated with magnets, small metal balls (press balls), lasers or acupressure.
We will only try acupuncture needles with your child's consent and if they feel completely comfortable. We will never trick them into trying acupuncture! Pediatric Acupuncture needles are thinner than three hairs and nothing like needles used for blood tests or vaccines. We call the needle treatments “taps” because we simply tap the needle in quickly and gently and then remove it right away. As the children get more comfortable with the taps, they may choose to leave them in longer. Parents are pleasantly surprised when their children find the treatments easy, painless and even fun.
What are follow-up visits like?
Follow-up visits for children are 15 minutes long and take place in our stretching area. This allows for a one-on-one treatment in a semi-private setting that won’t disrupt the ‘grown-ups’ in the group treatment space. We will have time to check-in with both parent and child while giving their treatment to track the healing process, celebrate areas of improvement and note areas for further improvement. We will often note things that parents can do at home to further support the child's healing process.
How much do treatments cost?
The initial consultation & treatment is 45-minutes long and costs $75. Follow-up visits are 15-minutes long and cost $55 if you pay as you go, or $225 for a package of 5-visits ($45/each).
How does acupuncture work in children? What’s the science?
Modern scientific research has shown acupuncture to have specific biological effects: Acupuncture promotes the release of endorphins and enkephalins, which are pain blocking biochemical. When these hormones are released, blood flow in the body improves carrying with it beneficial nutrients, hormones and oxygen to the tissues and organs. It also activates the parasympathetic nervous system to move the body into a balanced state known as homeostasis.
Treating acupuncture channels and points is different in children than adults. Their bodies are working very hard to grow and develop and their energy (qi) is much closer to the surface of their bodies. Therefore, we can treat them using these non-invasive techniques more easily.
How many treatments will my child need and how often will he/she need to come?
Since every child is different, each plan will be customized to them. However, as a general rule most children respond very well to acupuncture and will see some response within the first few treatments. We usually start with 1-2 treatments per week and re-assess after 5-10 treatments.
Do you practice Chinese herbs or make supplement/self-care suggestions?
We’re so glad you asked! We are very passionate about helping to find all of the tools that are going to get your child feeling better. Often it takes a comprehensive approach including herbs and/or supplements, dietary changes, mindfulness practices etc. to truly bring about lasting change. Again, since each child is unique, we will custom these suggestions to each of their needs. We carry a complete line of pediatric herbal tinctures as well as some key supplements that can benefit your child’s overall health.
Are siblings allowed at the treatment?
In order to limit distraction for the patient, we strongly encourage one parent and one child to come together. Of course, we know this isn’t always possible, so if a sibling needs to join you, we ask that they remain in our waiting area during the session. Because we want to create a space of healing for your child, we also ask that the parent puts away their cell phones during their session.
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Trying "Taps"!! It didn't hurt and he was so proud!
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Judy doing Shonishin on one of our resident toddlers!
He loves it! |
