For parents, there are few things more heartbreaking than seeing your child in pain and/or distress, and knowing there isn’t much you can do about it. This situation becomes more complicated when it comes to young children and babies, who are unable to tell you exactly what is wrong. When this happens, parents are often left feeling helpless and frustrated. But what if there was something you could do to help your little one? Something that they actually enjoyed and helped them relax?
Physical issues in babies and young children are often quite different from adults, so their treatment is also different. Babies and kids don’t face the same back, knee and leg pains caused by old sports injuries or years of hard work, but they face a more extensive range of other types of distressing issues originating from things like teething, digestive discomfort, earache, etc. In most cases, such pains and discomforts can be effectively relieved with the nourishing and soothing touch of acupressure and acupuncture, that balances the flow of qi through the meridians.
But First Thing First, What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that is becoming increasingly popular. It involves inserting tiny needles in specific areas of the body. The treatment is based on the theory that a particular form of energy flows throughout our bodies and travels in channels known as meridians. This energy is referred to as qi. When qi cannot flow freely throughout the body, many forms of illness are thought to occur as a result. By having acupuncture sessions, it is believed that it will restore the flow of this energy, which once it has been restored, it is believed that good health will return.
Is Acupuncture Safe For My Child?
Acupuncture is an effective, and gentle way to treat children without the use of drugs or other invasive methods. Acupuncture is a natural procedure that stimulates the body in a way that promotes it to heal itself. Acupuncture is able to not only reduce inflammation, but also boost the immune system, and help to get the body back into balance.
“My pediatric clients often ask their parents to bring them back for another appointment, or ask when their next appointment is!” reports Trudi, a registered acupuncturist with Muscle Elements. Acupuncture has been used for more than 2,000 years, and during that time has been proven to be safe for children and babies. In a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers looked at a number of studies on the safety of acupuncture for kids, which reinforced its reliability when performed by properly trained, and fully licensed acupuncturists.
Does Acupuncture for Kids Always Involve Needles?
Acupuncture for kids doesn’t always have to involve the use of needles. The acupuncture points can be stimulated in other ways, such as using acupressure, cupping and/or ear seeds. Kids respond really well to cupping and ear seeds, which sometimes eliminates the need for needles altogether.
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 especially young children, the needles are removed almost immediately. Whereas, for older children, needles are left in for as little as two minutes and no more than 20 minutes. The length of time that the needles are inserted will depend on the child and the medical reasons it is being done.
What Conditions or Diseases is Acupuncture Used to Treat?
Acupuncture is used to help get rid of the effects of many health issues facing kids today – regardless of how severe they are. Some of the most commonly treated diseases include (but are not limited to):
● Chronic ear infections
● Headaches
● Asthma
● Allergies
● Autism
● Anxiety
● Chronic rhinitis
● Pain
● ADD/ADHD
● Digestive disorders
Are There Any Potential Side Effects to Acupuncture?
Any side effects reported are very minimal, such as a slight twinge felt in the muscle when the needle is inserted into the top layer of the skin. Of course, the acupuncture session must be performed by a licensed and registered acupuncturist to be safe for children.
It is essential to acknowledge the fact that holistic health isn’t just putting a band-aid on for temporary relief. Many people who are in the early stages of learning about acupuncture are surprised to learn that it determines the root of the problem and remedies it — thus stopping the chain reaction that can result from a chronic problem. Acupuncture is not a replacement for traditional medical treatment though; it is a great complimentary therapy to use along side of conventional medicine.
How Can I Help My Child Succeed with Acupuncture Therapy?
Remember to stay calm during the process. Your child will take cues from you so if you are nervous, your child will be nervous too. It’s hard to see your child nervous or scared, but remember that the therapy is being done to help your child, and is safe and effective.
Leave us a comment below if your child has already experienced the amazing effects of acupuncture!