TCM FOR KIDS & TEENS

Kids have an extraordinary ability to bounce back after illness and injuries due to their Qi being free-flowing and closer to the surface when compared to adults. This resilience is what makes it easy to treat them with Traditional Chinese Medicine.

While children are resilient, they still need focused and effective care.

TCM can treat a multitude of ailments for children, toddlers, and infants including: allergies, asthma, colic, digestive distress and disorders, headaches, sports injuries, ADHD, ear infections, bed-wetting and more. It works well with any existing therapies or medications your child may be taking so that they can start feeling better faster.

Shonishin is kind of acupuncture that uses small metal tools to gently scratch, tap, or brush on the child's skin over acupuncture pathways. It does not use needles and is completely painless so even the most sensitive children can experience the benefits of acupuncture. This treatment gently relaxes and stimulates the child's body back into balance.

The gentle nature of Shonishin means it’s also great for needle sensitive teens and adults.

Here at Middle Earth Acupuncture, children under 13 won’t retain needles, meaning the needles are quickly inserted and removed. Needle retention is often reserved for teenagers. If your child is younger than 13, is sensitive to, or is afraid of needles, we will use a technique that is called Shonishin.

How many sessions will my child need?

Just like adults, it truly depends on their case. Is their situation acute or chronic?

  • Acute: my child is getting over a stomach bug

  • Chronic: my child was colicky as a baby and now has digestive issues

If your child is in an “acute situation”, usually only a few sessions are needed, and sometimes they’re better after one treatment. If they’re in a “chronic situation”, you can expect several weeks’ worth of regular treatment, especially if it’s an on-going situation like IBS or ADHD.

  • Cumulative: Acupuncture’s effects are cumulative. This means that once treatment has started, follow-up visits are important to continue the healing process. The closer you stick to your treatment schedule, the sooner you will see positive results.

  • Consistency: At the end of your appointments, you will most likely be assigned homework. They can be lifestyle modifications, exercises, or diet recommendations. Patients who follow through with homework along with their regular appointments are more likely to heal faster and see longer lasting, positive results.

  • Check-ins: I will typically conduct a full re-evaluation every 4th or 6th appointment depending on your case. This allows me to see how you are responding to your treatments, assess any changes, determine if modifications have to be made, and possibly upgrade you to a different treatment schedule.

Other factors to consider:

BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT

  • New Patient Intake completed: Their New Patient Intake will be emailed to you — their parent or guardian — when the first appointment is made. This questionnaire will get them fully registered in the practice records system.

  • Loose, comfortable clothing: Some of the major acupuncture points are located around their elbows and knees. Depending on the points chosen, we may also be using points on their back, abdomen, or chest. Loose clothing that is easily moved and adjusted will keep you comfortable and provide easy access to points without having to undress. In the event that they have to undress, gowns and drapes will be used.

  • Something in their stomach: It is highly recommended that you give your child a snack or small meal before their appointment, or bring a snack to their appointment. Food is a great distraction and everyone feels better with something in their tummy.

  • Comfort items: This is a whole new experience for children, so comfort items are highly encouraged. These can be blankets, stuffies, toys, noise cancelling headphones, and books. Tablets and phones can also be used as entertainment or distraction.

Please be prepared to stay in the room during the treatment, just like when you bring your child to their regular doctor. There may be questions that your child may not be able to or know how to answer, and you are your child’s greatest advocate and comfort.