Articles and Forms
Children and Oriental Medicine
Oriental Medicine for Your Little Ones
By Sheryl Martin OMD, L.Ac., RN
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is practiced in the United States by Licensed Acupuncturists, has gained a lot of recognition from the general public. The National Institutes of Health have come forth with a consensus statement that Acupuncture is being considered a standard modality of treatment for some conditions. Many insurance companies are offering Acupuncture as a health benefit, and some of them are strongly promoting the use of Acupuncture because of its preventative aspects.
If you are starting to cringe at the thought of needles being used to treat your child’s illness, read on. Many times, Acupuncturists do not use needles, especially in children, but also in adults with needle phobias. Acupuncture is a way, not the way to alleviate health problems. Acupuncturists use a variety of modalities utilizing the principles of TCM. They will recommend dietary or lifestyle alterations, use acupressure massage, prescribe an herbal prescription, or apply heat, magnets, or tiny electrical currents to the body over energy points related to organs that are out of balance. In my practice I sometimes use a low frequency laser on acupuncture points.
Because of the large interest in Acupuncture among the adult population, we are finding many children are getting an orientation to this method of healthcare. Here’s an interesting story from a day in our clinic. It makes me smile, every time I recall it. There was a woman who came to have an Acupuncture treatment for a low back problem, and she brought her young daughter to the clinic with her. The little girl was very inquisitive, and eager to know what those needles were doing. On the woman’s following visit to the clinic, she reported that her daughter went home and reported all the details to her friends, about the fun she had at Mommy’s Acupuncture appointment. I chuckled, because this type of conversation among little girls was most likely would not have happened a decade ago. Acupuncture consciousness was virtually non-existent among the wee-folk.
Some childhood conditions that can be successfully managed with treatments from an Acupuncturist are: asthma, allergies, arthritis, bedwetting, digestive disorders, anxiety, sleep disorders, menstrual problems, and respiratory illnesses such as the common cold or flu. When an Acupuncturist evaluates a child’s condition, treatment is holistic, so several conditions can be treated at the same time. The Acupuncturist is trained to assess organ imbalances, and can sometimes tell when a problem is about to surface. This is often before the child has manifested any symptoms, so the treatments can stave off an impending illness if treatment is prompt and timely.
In our clinic, the atmosphere is warm and friendly. We include Moms, Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas, spouses, and other family members in the treatment process. Our philosophy is to engage the patient in their own healthcare by providing educational resources and teaching principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which they can employ to use at home to manage their health. Most children find the treatment experience relaxing and fun.
By Sheryl Martin OMD, L.Ac., RN
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is practiced in the United States by Licensed Acupuncturists, has gained a lot of recognition from the general public. The National Institutes of Health have come forth with a consensus statement that Acupuncture is being considered a standard modality of treatment for some conditions. Many insurance companies are offering Acupuncture as a health benefit, and some of them are strongly promoting the use of Acupuncture because of its preventative aspects.
If you are starting to cringe at the thought of needles being used to treat your child’s illness, read on. Many times, Acupuncturists do not use needles, especially in children, but also in adults with needle phobias. Acupuncture is a way, not the way to alleviate health problems. Acupuncturists use a variety of modalities utilizing the principles of TCM. They will recommend dietary or lifestyle alterations, use acupressure massage, prescribe an herbal prescription, or apply heat, magnets, or tiny electrical currents to the body over energy points related to organs that are out of balance. In my practice I sometimes use a low frequency laser on acupuncture points.
Because of the large interest in Acupuncture among the adult population, we are finding many children are getting an orientation to this method of healthcare. Here’s an interesting story from a day in our clinic. It makes me smile, every time I recall it. There was a woman who came to have an Acupuncture treatment for a low back problem, and she brought her young daughter to the clinic with her. The little girl was very inquisitive, and eager to know what those needles were doing. On the woman’s following visit to the clinic, she reported that her daughter went home and reported all the details to her friends, about the fun she had at Mommy’s Acupuncture appointment. I chuckled, because this type of conversation among little girls was most likely would not have happened a decade ago. Acupuncture consciousness was virtually non-existent among the wee-folk.
Some childhood conditions that can be successfully managed with treatments from an Acupuncturist are: asthma, allergies, arthritis, bedwetting, digestive disorders, anxiety, sleep disorders, menstrual problems, and respiratory illnesses such as the common cold or flu. When an Acupuncturist evaluates a child’s condition, treatment is holistic, so several conditions can be treated at the same time. The Acupuncturist is trained to assess organ imbalances, and can sometimes tell when a problem is about to surface. This is often before the child has manifested any symptoms, so the treatments can stave off an impending illness if treatment is prompt and timely.
In our clinic, the atmosphere is warm and friendly. We include Moms, Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas, spouses, and other family members in the treatment process. Our philosophy is to engage the patient in their own healthcare by providing educational resources and teaching principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which they can employ to use at home to manage their health. Most children find the treatment experience relaxing and fun.
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