Pediatric Acupuncture

In general, the benefits of acupuncture are very real and documented. But recent studies have even shown that acupuncture can be used to alleviate many common childhood conditions. Pediatric acupuncture and Oriental medicine, in conjunction with modern medical attention, has been proven to help children and teens thrive, manage pain and prevent illness. From the flu and food allergies to severe headaches and asthma, the research out there supports the claim that acupuncture is beneficial for children.

The prevalence of chronic childhood conditions has increased 13 to 27 percent, and these conditions often last into adulthood posing a significant impact on the entire family. It’s no surprise that more and more families are looking at complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies including acupuncture.

Acupuncture-related therapies show particular promise in treating pediatric pain, cerebral palsy, tic disorders, nocturnal enuresis, amblyopia, nausea and vomiting, digestive disorders, respiratory disorders and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). In these applications, acupuncture is considered safe with a low risk of adverse effects.

PAIN

More than 30 percent of children suffer from chronic pain. It has been found that acupuncture can relieve migraines and tension headaches, as well as abdominal pain, acute post-operative pain, and dysmenorrhea in teen girls.

One study found that kids who attended an outpatient service experienced large improvements in their headaches and migraines, back pain, and extremities after receiving acupuncture.

NAUSEA AND VOMITING

Especially in regards to post-operative nausea and chemotherapy-induced vomiting, acupuncture can help kids. One study followed kids who underwent eye surgery. Those who received laser acupuncture experience significantly reduced vomiting episodes compared with sham treatment. Acupuncture has also been found to be effective in relieving post-operative conditions including nausea and vomiting, as well as delirium after the administration of general anesthetic.

Trials on acupuncture reveal a reduction in the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as increase in alertness.

COLIC

A study of nearly 1000 infants revealed that acupuncture significantly improved symptoms like defecation rates and inflated stomach. Acupuncture has also been found to reduce crying time in infants suffering from colic.

NOCTURNAL ENURESIS (BEDWETTING)

A study found that acupuncture helped with nocturnal enuresis symptoms in children, while also improving sleep and quality of life.

CEREBRAL PALSY

Acupuncture was found to provide improvements in gross and fine motor function in those with cerebral palsy regarding muscle tone and spasticity.

AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER

Acupuncture may improve functioning in children with ASD in terms of cognitive and global function, with improvements in communication and linguistic skills as well. There are also improvements in language comprehension and self-care after acupuncture, with added improvements in sociability, receptive language, coordination, motor skills, and attention span.

ASTHMA

Significant improvements in asthma symptoms after acupuncture treatment has been found in some studies. Those improvements included peak expiratory flow (PEF) following treatment.

NEONATAL CARE

Neonates may benefit from acupuncture to provide relief from painful procedures. Studies also show a benefit to babies withdrawing from fetal exposure to drugs or prescription medications. 

Contact Metro Detroit Acupuncture

To learn more about how acupuncture and Chinese herbs are uniquely formulated just for children, contact us at (248) 432-2846. As Metro Detroit’s leading acupuncture and pain management clinic, Metro Detroit Acupuncture is your trusted destination for pediatric acupuncture.