Acupuncture for Kids: FAQ

Caring for our children doesn’t come with a handy instruction manual to help us solve the riddles behind their cries. It can be overwhelming and distressing when they are unwell, or something is off with their health. Surprisingly, acupuncture is a viable treatment option that frequently goes overlooked.

Understandably, you may have a lot of questions about pediatric acupuncture. This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about acupuncture for kids and how it may be a beneficial alternative for your child’s healthcare plan.

Yes! Many scientific studies and reports show that pediatric acupuncture relieves symptoms and pain from illness, surgery, and chemotherapy. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics found that acupuncture was safe and beneficial for children when performed by an experienced and certified practitioner. 

Children of all ages may benefit from acupuncture, from infancy to their teenage years. Children heal faster than adults; this relatively non-invasive treatment promotes the body’s natural healing abilities and stimulates the central nervous system.

It comes down to the comfort zone of both the parent and the child. For young kids, having a favourite toy or blanket helps to keep them occupied and comfortable during their treatment. However, as children get older, they have the option to participate, and parents should be honest about the appointment without causing undue alarm. 

Acupuncture targets the body’s pressure points specific to the related injury or ailment. Childhood illnesses, injuries, and even surgery recovery change as they age; however, acupuncture alleviates symptoms for many issues. They include:

Being squeamish about needles, especially in young children, may make you hesitant to try acupuncture. Still, when other medical interventions don’t work, this may be an acceptable route to helping your child feel better.

While pediatric acupuncture still uses specialized sterile needles inserted into pressure points, there are some fundamental differences between it and adult acupuncture treatments. For instance, the needles are only 1/15th the size of the adult version and are left in for significantly less time, depending on the child’s age. 

So, while adults may need to wait 20 to 30 minutes on the treatment table, teens and pre-teens may only require 10 to 15. Additionally, some practitioners refer to the needles as “taps” to ease treatment anxiety, describing some of the acupressure methods used before inserting the needle. Kids often don’t even know it happened! 

Interestingly, children who’ve received acupuncture feel relief and request more appointments. The benefits of acupuncture are similar to that of adults and can include relief from painful ailments like headaches or earaches, reducing medication side effects, or even growing pains. 

Furthermore, some children find it easier to concentrate in school and have notably fewer absences from school. The most significant benefit is no longer worrying and having happy, healthy children who feel better.

Protecting your child’s health and relieving their pain should only ever be done under the care of a certified practitioner experienced in pediatric acupuncture. At Atlantic Chiropractic in Bedford, NS., their highly skilled and knowledgeable staff ensures your child feels safe and comfortable throughout their treatment. In addition, they will happily answer all your questions to alleviate any uneasiness about acupuncture’s ancient healing abilities.

Relieve your entire family’s ailments with acupuncture today! Schedule your treatment online or by calling 902-407-6070 now.