Is Acupuncture used with Children?

Exploring Safe and Holistic Paediatric Acupuncture

Many parents wonder if acupuncture is a suitable option for their children's health. The answer is a resounding yes! Acupuncture offers a safe, gentle, and holistic approach to supporting your child's well-being naturally, right from infancy through to their adolescent years.

A Centuries-Old Tradition

Paediatric Acupuncture is not a recent innovation but has been a practiced specialty within the realm of acupuncture for over a thousand years. It is widely embraced throughout the world as an effective way to enhance children's health.

Ancient Wisdom on Child Nurturing

The ancient Chinese philosopher Sun Simiao, a prominent figure in Chinese medicine, once said, "There is no Dao among the common people that is greater than the Dao of nurturing the young." This profound wisdom underscores the importance of nurturing children's health from an early age.

Foundational Health for Life

When children are treated with acupuncture, particularly during the first and second cycles of life (ages 0 to 7 and 7 to 14), it strengthens their core foundational health, and has a profound impact on their overall well-being throughout life. This is why Paediatric Acupuncture holds such significance in our clinic.

Child-Centred Approach

Acupuncture for children naturally differs from treatments for adults. The paediatric toolbox incorporates techniques that are exceptionally effective with children. Up until the age of 7 for girls and 8 for boys, their channel system—the interconnected network of channels or meridians through which their life force, or Qi, flows—is not fully developed. This makes their Qi remarkably active and accessible with minimal treatment.

Gentle and Engaging

For children in the first cycle of life (0 to 7), acupuncture needles are hardly retained as they would be with older children or adults. These needles are also much thinner and often come with colourful handles, allowing children to choose their preferred colors. Various other techniques, such as tapping, stroking, or circular movements with hands (Tui Na) or small tools (Shonishin), are incorporated to support balance in their health.

Tailored to Individual Needs

Children's reactions to acupuncture can vary widely. Some eagerly welcome the idea of having a needle, while others may need time to overcome anxiety or previous negative experiences. For those with conditions like Autism, where needles may not be appropriate, meridian body work is employed.

Building Trust and Connection

Regardless of the child's individual needs, the treatment approach is always holistic. Building trust and creating a positive experience for the child are paramount. This process involves asking questions about their health, interests, and hobbies to form a complete picture of their health and constitution. Highly refined observational skills further guide the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your Child's Path to Health

Whether your child is struggling with acute or chronic issues, feeling unlike themselves, in need of emotional or neurological support, or just seeking a pre-winter immune boost, consider bringing them to the Acorn Children's Clinic.

Acupuncture has the potential to support a wide range of conditions, often providing rapid and effective relief. Our clinic, founded in May 2023, aims to make alternative natural medicine accessible to all families, regardless of income. Due to growing demand, we've expanded to offer clinic hours on both Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Booking and Questions

To book an appointment, please follow this link. If you have any questions or would like a free 15-minute consultation to discuss how acupuncture can support your child's needs, feel free to give me a call.

We look forward to being a part of your child's journey to health!

Rebecca Wheatley, BSc Acupuncture, Dip Paediatric Acupuncture, Dip Aromatherapy