Pediatric Acupuncture Shonishin and Chinese Medicine
Pediatric acupuncture relies on the same diagnostic principles of Chinese medicine. That is, to achieve homeostasis (balance) in the physiological processes of the human body by stimulating the meridian system, organs and neuro-endocrine mechanisms in order to increase the innate healing signal. All the standard ARM (Acupuncture-related modalities) tools such as Tui Na, cupping therapy, et cetera are utilized in pediatric medicine. However, the difference is that needling is done primarily with non-insertive devices. That is, devices that stimulate circulation but do not penetrate the skin. This is a tradition of Japanese acupuncture called Shonishin. Loosely translated as “Kid’s needling”. Once the child has reached a certain age and/or comfort with the practice, “baby” needles are introduced. These needles pierce the skin. They are however extremely thin. Even thinner than the normal filliform needle standard to acupuncture. And they are all One-Use, disposable needles.
Treatments for children are normally short. These may last from 20 minutes to half an hour. What is more important is the dosage of treatment. Kids with recurrent, chronic disorders will need at least 10 treatments and a number of follow-up “booster” sessions. Evaluation of the progression of treatment is the basis to determine continued treatment or not. Also adjustments and modifications in the diet and stimulative practices of the child may be necessary.
Herbal medicine is also one of the most important tools available to TCM, especially when treating kids. Pediatric herbal medicine is a well established practice in TCM. This is because herbal medicines can enhance physiology. These are used short or long term, ancient prescriptions that have been used empirically with kids for thousands of years. So we know they are safe and effective. We utilized patent formulas made by Health Concerns, one of the best American manufacturers of traditional Chinese herbal medicines. These are guaranteed to be free from additives, artificial ingredients and metals. Health Concerns has formulas designed specifically to be used with kids when treating a number of conditions including ADD, ADHD, chronic ear infections, etc.
Establishing the appropriate therapeutic relationship with the child is important. The length and tools used in each treatment are positively related to the level of bond developed between practitioner and child. Often parents come to our clinic because conventional medicine alone is not working effectively to improve the child’s health. This is why you are probably here. So we can not apply the same strategy to the problem at hand. At the beginning, and due to many subtleties in the practice of pediatric TCM, the parent might think that not much went on during treatment. This is normal.
No amount of success can be guaranteed in treating any condition. It may take between eight and twelve sessions for consistent therapeutic improvement to manifest. We know there are no side effects or dangers with pediatric TCM. However, we do not provide health care services to replace allopathic-pediatric care. You should let your pediatrician know that we provide a complementary medicine pediatric approach. We work to improve your child's health but as an added approach , so that your child will have the two main branches of medical knowledge in humanity (Eastern and Western medicines) at his service.
A question and answer fact sheet for using pediatric TCM is available to all our clients. |
