Acupuncture for Children
Acupuncture has a long history of treating common childhood complaints - effectively, naturally and safely. Regular checkups with your family doctor are important and allow for the diagnosis and treatment of minor problems before they become major health concerns. The same is true for acupuncture and alternative medicine. You may not think of acupuncture as an important part of your child's healthcare, but it can offer an abundance of benefits. It is a powerful adjunctive therapy in pediatric health - for patients who are trying to avoid taking additional medications or who are already receiving maximum medical treatment. Additionally, acupuncture works as preventative medicine and can help strengthen the developing immune system at any age.
Because children are in a constant state of growth and change, they often respond more quickly than adults to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and therefore require fewer visits. As children develop from infants to adults, TCM offers relief when this process causes discomfort and nourishment when support is needed. Pediatric acupuncture may or may not involve the use of needles. Massage and pressure techniques are effectively used in place of needles depending on the nature of the condition and the child.
Infancy
Most healthy infants require nothing more than a loving mother and family to attend to their needs. However, even the most cared for infants can develop uncomfortable symptoms. Acupuncture and infant massage techniques can help alleviate a variety of common complaints - offering less suffering for the newborn and peace of mind for the parent. When appropriate, advice and herbal remedies can be given to nursing mothers to indirectly address the newborn's symptoms. Some treatable conditions include:
| Cradle Cap | Colic/Insomnia | Diaper Rash |
| Skin Problems | Digestive Upset | Chronic Cough |
Toddler Years
During this important phase, your child's organ and musculo-skeletal systems are growing and cognitive skills are developing. Environmental, dietary and hereditary factors can all play a role in a variety of concerns that can arise. Acupuncture can help address common childhood complaints during this time, alongside Western medical therapy or on its own:
| Allergies | Asthma and/or Cough | Poor Appetite | Skin Rashes |
| Eczema | Chronic Ear Ache | Colds & Runny Nose | Constipation |
| Diarrhea | Developmental Delays | Insomnia | Irritability |
Adolescence
Health concerns that come up during the teenage years differ quite greatly from young children. As hormones and social development begin to change, it can be a very stressful time for some young adults. In addition to treating acute illness, acupuncture can offer a natural alternative and respite to the pressures and discomforts that accompany adolescence. Some treatable conditions include:
| Fatigue | Asthma | Depression | Anxiety |
| Low Immune System | Insomnia | Digestive Problems | Skin Problems |
| Poor Concentration | Acne | ADD | Menstruation Concerns |
Herbs and Children
When prescribed by a licensed practitioner, herbal medicine can offer an extraordinary amount of relief and benefit for both acute symptoms and chronic conditions. Herbal medicine is safe to take alongside most western medications, always prescribed in the appropriate pediatric dose for each individual patient and does not have side effects. They improve health by strengthening the immune system and alleviating symptoms at the root level. Pediatric formulas are easy to take, involve minimal preparation, and can often be flavored or 'hidden' in foods to produce a more palatable taste. Herbs are the perfect way to safely, and naturally, maintain and strengthen your child's developing body, mind & spirit.
Scheduling Your Visit
To make an appointment for your child's initial consultation, simply call our front desk. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian at their first visit, for paperwork and legal reasons. Your first visit will establish the therapeutic relationship between your child and myself, to be cultivated throughout the course of treatment. At the initial visit, appropriate treatment (including acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal prescription) will be provided, as well as an assessment of possible lifestyle or other changes that can be made at home. Follow-up treatments will be evaluated based on individual needs and also discussed at this time.
I look forward to working with you and your family.
Erin Hessel, L.Ac
Clinic Director, The Berkley Center for Women's Health
Licensed Acupuncturist, Board Certified in Herbal Medicine
www.berkleywomenshealth.com | Clinic Info
www.erinhessel.com | Blog
erinhessel@berkleycenter.com
212.685.0985
