Acupuncture for kids

Acupuncture has surprising advantages for kids with acute and chronic health problems. One of the biggest advantages is that there are few side effects compared to powerful medications. Another advantage is fewer doctor visits because multiple symptoms can be addressed in a single treatment.

Although many think acupuncture is just for pain, it can help children and teens with a wide range of issues, including sleep problems, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, reflux, nausea, coughs and colds, growing pains, joint pain, ADHD, asthma, allergies and bedwetting.

In acupuncture, different points are selected to achieve different effects in the body. The points can be stimulated by inserting needles or using non-needle techniques such as laser or electrical stimulation, or acupressure. Many children have a fear of needles, so I follow Dr. Robin Green’s advice to call them “taps” instead. Those children who decide to try “taps” are surprised to find that they are hair-thin and virtually painless. In very young children, the needles are generally only left in for about 10 seconds and only inserted one point at a time.

Acupuncture is great for kids because it is customized to fit each child’s needs and temperament. All aspects of a child’s health are taken into consideration such as diet, digestion, sleep, energy and immune function.

Parents are turning to acupuncture because it offers a safe, natural and effective approach to pediatric care. A study of 450 children from birth to age 17 who had acupuncture found the technique to be safe and effective in the hands of well-trained practitioners. It focuses on treating symptoms leading to a safe resolution of illness and preventing illness in the future by stimulating healing and restoring the body’s own resilience.

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For more information, contact Dr. Wendy by calling 208-635-5658 or emailing haydenhealth@gmail.com.