Asian Medicine and Children

 

Shonishin (sho "little", ni "children" and shin "needle") is a style of pediatric acupuncture that is utlized in this office. This style does not involve sticking needles into the child. A smooth silver tool is rhythmically stroked, rubbed, taped and pressed on the skin to produce a variety of gentle stimulation sensations. The purpose is to harmonize a child's vital energy. Children's energy is typically very active (yang) and moves very quickly. It has a tendency to build up and get "stuck".

 

Children enjoy the treatment and look forward to their appointments. Many young patients have called it the tickle treatment.

 

 

Acupuncture can benefit the treatment of childhood health problems including behavioral and emotional issues as well as physical conditions. These can include

•   allergies

•   asthma

•   Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

•   bedwetting

•   colic

•   constipation and diarrhea

•   digestive complaints

•   eczema

•   hives 

•   indigestion

•   sleep issues

•   stuttering

 

Pediatric acupuncture is safe. A 2011 systematic review published by the American Academy of Pediatrics reviewed a total of 37 studies including RCTs, cohort studies and case reports examining the safety of pediatric acupuncture. The authors had calculated “a mild adverse effect incidence rate per patient of 168 in 1422 patients”. This review concluded that acupuncture is generally safe when administered by properly trained clinicians.

 

Adams, D, Cheng, F, Jou, Hsing, Aung, S, Yasui, Y, and Yohra, S. The safety of pediatric acupuncture: A systematic review, Pediatrics, December, 2011, 128 (6): e1575-e1587.