Acupuncture for ‘Back to School’ Stress and Anxiety
As summer nears an end, many youngsters have mixed feelings about returning to school. Parent's emotions also run high, as the start of the new school year indicates stress, anxiety, and, of course, the increase in colds, flu, and stuffy noses. As a parent, you strive to provide your child with optimal health and wellness but sometimes, regular Western Medicine check ups, and multi-vitamins are not enough.
Chinese Medicine is a whole-body approach to care. Acupuncture treats the root cause of imbalances in the body while managing the symptoms of any condition. Acupuncture is a safe and drug-free approach to primary health care. For example, your child feels great over the summer, but as soon as he goes back to school, he is continuously catching colds with a stuffy nose and cough. Acupuncture can help the root cause of a weakened immune system while managing the symptoms of his chronic congestion and cough.
Why is Acupuncture so important for Kids and why are Parents not taking advantage of this profound holistic approach to care?
Let's debunk some myths.
First, Acupuncture is more than needles. Acupuncture needles are just one modality under the umbrella of Chinese Medicine. Acupuncturists have many other modalities, including many non-needle techniques.
When treating kids, I rarely utilize needles, unless they are comfortable with it. When a child does receive acupuncture with needles, they are pleasantly surprised by the fact that there is no pain.
Kids can receive Guasha, a non-needle adjunct technique to boost the immune system and de-stress.
Ok, let's clear up another myth. Acupuncture needles are not the same as hypodermic needles. They are single use, sterile needles as thin as a strand of hair, and most of the time, completely painless. Kids who opt-in to needles are so excited that it didn't hurt and feel a sense of courage and accomplishment.
In my practice, I NEVER force needles on my pediatric patients. If they are not interested, I have many other modalities to support the treatment.
Some non-needle techniques include:
Another myth is children have to lay completely still to receive acupuncture. Kids are not required to lay still on a table. Most of my younger patients play with toys, or draw while they are receiving treatment. Older children and teenagers do enjoy having some quiet time laying on the table while they receive treatment, but are never forced to.
Why is Acupuncture so important for Children?
Children are so full of resources that their bodies heal faster than adults. This is why a child's cut will heal much faster than Mom's or Dad's. And, this is why kids respond so quickly to Acupuncture treatments. The more treatments they receive, the more in balance their body becomes. Preventive care and wellness is helpful to prevent chronic conditions later on in life. This means all systems are functioning at optimal levels, which is less stress for Mom and Dad!
Pediatric Patient enjoying cupping, gemstones, and low-level laser therapy.
Benefits of Acupuncture for kids:
Balance Mood and Emotions
Mental Focus/ADHD/Autism
Immune System Support / Manage Cold/Allergy Symptoms
Expedite Healing of New and Old Injuries
General Health and Wellness and Preventative Care
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) ad the World Health Organization (WHO) as effective in the treatment of:
Addiction
Anxiety
Asthma
Bronchitis
Common Cold
Constipation
Depression
Diarrhea
Digestive Upset
Dizziness
Emotional Conditions
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea
Pain
Pneumonia
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Sinusitis
Sore Throat
Stress
Tonsillitis
Tooth Pain
Vomiting
among other conditions
Pediatric Acupuncture Evidenced Based Research
Acupuncture for Kids Experience Post-Operative Nausea/Vomiting
Pacific College Article on Benefits of Pediatric Acupuncture
Retrospective Case Series on Pediatric Acupuncture
Complimentary Consultations Available
If you are interested in learning more about how your Child can benefit from Acupuncture, you can book a complimentary phone consultation here.
In health and wellness Sarasota,
Dr. Jen
