Acupuncture: Helping Kids Feel Better

By: Nena Watkins, Lac, Licensed Acupuncturist

From asthma and excema, to the common cold and tummy aches, children have health issues too.   Parents are often surprised at the idea of their kids getting acupuncture. However, children respond very well.  Acupuncture often works more quickly in kiddos than in adults and can set them up to be healthier and happier people for the rest of their lives.

When a child is sick, parents want their child to feel better, but are often at a loss as to how to help.  More traditional American parents seek the advice of an MD and will follow up with every specialist recommended. Less traditional parents may try to avoid allergens, vaccines and antibiotics, which is easier when kids are well. But when their children are sick and suffering, these parents also feel that they don’t have tools to help.  Doctors rarely share alternative options, mostly because they don’t know about them.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs are safe, effective and very gentle for young people.  In the case of younger children, most of their symptoms require tonification.  We boost their lung/immune and spleen/digestive energies. Older kids may have patterns of stagnation, which are easily cleared.  Chinese medicine teaches them about what to eat, or not eat, when they notice they don’t feel well. It’s a great process for empowering them to listen to their bodies and make healthy choices. They don’t like feeling bad any more than adults do.

Another common use of acupuncture for children is when they are in pain.  We see children that get injuries playing sports, or in dance practice.  Acupuncture is helpful for reducing the pain and reducing the healing time.  We especially encourage preventative acupuncture when practice is going to be ramped up before a performance or game.  It is also great at promoting healing after an accident, or long-term injury like a broken bone.  Initially, a medical doctor should be seen for emergency conditions, but once the healing phase begins, acupuncture is very helpful.

We also have Chinese herbs that help kids.  Often, we encourage children to use Chinese herbs.  It’s especially nice to have naturally anti-bacterial and anti-viral herbs available when they bring home a pesky cold.  These herbs do not produce side effects, like digestive upset.  Surprisingly, most children take the bad tasting herbs when they know it will help them feel better. Of course, there are herbs for other issues as well, like ADD, asthma, allergies, eczema to name a few.  Herbal medicine is safe and effective when prescribed by a Licensed Acupuncturist.

The benefits of Chinese medicine are usually very quick and profound. Parents see positive improvements in their children for many conditions.  Common conditions include night terrors, ADD, asthma, anxiety, and hormone issues like acne and menstrual cramps. Most parents seek Chinese medicine to avoid giving recommended long-term medications, after the medications don’t work for their child, or cause unwanted side effects.  So if you’re wondering what else you could try to help your children, Chinese medicine is a great option!

Where to Find the Author:

Nena Watkins is the owner of Oak Cliff Acupuncture Clinic located in the Bishop Arts District at 208 Madison Avenue in Dallas. You can reach her at 214-840-3445 or go to her social media page by CLICKING HERE.