Acupuncture for Children & Teens
Children and teens benefit from acupuncture as they tend to respond faster than adults for both acute and chronic conditions. In my practice, I can modify the type of acupuncture and various modalities we use in each session according to their age, comfort level, and health condition. I see a wide range of ages-6 months to 18 years, for an even wider range of complaints. Here is a list of conditions that acupuncture can be effective for when your child or teen needs extra support:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Acupuncture can have a profound effect on various brain-based conditions including ADD and ADHD. A study showed that acupuncture reduced ADHD symptoms in children when combined with behavioral therapy. Other research has showed that acupuncture is just as effective or perhaps more effective on improving mild brain dysfunction in children compared to traditional treatment.
Allergies & Asthma
Acupuncture also assists allergy and asthma sufferers by regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. Various studies have shown that acupuncture reduces allergy symptoms including sneezing, congestion, and post-nasal drip. Asthma research shows that acupuncture improves measurable markers for asthma such as peak expiratory flow (PEF).
Anxiety & Stress Disorders
A pilot study on acupuncture for the treatment of anxiety in children and adolescents demonstrates what many acupuncturists witness in their daily practice. Acupuncture relieves feelings of anxiety and depression, leaving patients with a general sense of well-being. In addition to other stress-reduction strategies, acupuncture has a profound and lasting effect for children struggling with anxiety.
Autoimmune Disorders
Multiple studies have confirmed acupuncture’s effectiveness for improving immune system function. Acupuncture can be a helpful tool for treating symptoms and slowing the progression of autoimmune conditions in children. The combination of acupuncture and other treatment modalities such as nutritional counseling, supplement support, and lifestyle modifications address the root cause for long-term benefits.
Digestive Disorders
Acupuncture and integrative medicine can also be an incredibly helpful tool for all kind of tummy woes including colic, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), food allergies, constipation, and abdominal pain.
Some studies show that acupuncture not only improves symptoms but also changes measurable microscopic parameters. In other words, acupuncture may be changing the gut flora or underlying physiological conditions leading to specific symptoms.
Concussions and Sport Injuries
Acupuncture has long been established as an effective way to manage pain and heal musculoskeletal injuries. For athletic kids and teens, acupuncture can be an effective tool to treat the occasional strain or sprain. Additionally, acupuncture has been established in research as an important treatment modality for more serious injuries.
Head trauma, traumatic brain injuries, spine and back injuries, and chronic knee pain are all included on this list. Research studies have shown that acupuncture improves important markers following traumatic brain injuries including the regeneration of nerve in injured tissues. This finding suggests that acupuncture should be a key component of any treatment strategy for kids recovering from a concussion.
PMS & Irregular Periods
When girls begin to menstruate, the hypthalamic-pituary-ovarian axis is just beginning to become established in the body. The HPO axis is a neuro-endocrine pathway that allows the brain to send hormonal signals to the ovaries. However, during the teenage years, this pathway is still developing.
As a result, young women are more likely to suffer from irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and painful periods. According to research, acupuncture reduces these symptoms and helps to regulate the endocrine system so that your child doesn’t need to suffer long-term.
If you enjoyed this article, you may be interested in our Integrative Medicine & Pediatrics article.
More About OMBE
OMBE is celebrating 15 years of service in Massachusetts! Additionally, we are now scheduling in-person acupuncture sessions for our South Shore and Cape Cod clients. Telehealth consultations are available for all of our Massachusetts clients living in the Boston area, North Shore, and Western Massachusetts.
Learn more about us, read our organic health philosophy, or schedule an appointment. Contact us for any questions about appointment scheduling, acupuncture services, or integrative medicine. We look forward to hearing from you!