Paediatric acupuncture is different
Children are not small adults. They respond to much lighter treatment techniques than most adults and rarely need “grown-up acupuncture”. Shonishin is a Japanese needle-free treatment method for infants, toddlers and school-age children. It is based on the same principles as acupuncture, but instead of needles, uses small metal tools to stimulate the child’s acupuncture meridians with tapping, rubbing or light pressure. The treatment is pleasant, and many children look forward to their treatment.
What paediatric conditions can be treated?
All conditions that do not require urgent medical attention can be treated with Shonishin alone. In serious conditions, Shonishin works well alongside western medicine and helps to mitigate possible side-effects. Shonishin treatments are also preventative in nature: They improve a child’s digestion, sleep, immunity, and emotional stability and thus, help a child thrive.
If your child needs to take medication, that is no obstacle to treatment. Often, dosages can be lowered over time or even discontinued (Of course, only with the consent of your child’s physician).
Examples of paediatric conditions:
- Asthma, allergies, hayfever, runny nose, sinus problems, chronic cough, recurring infections
- Ear infections, glue ear, tonsillitis, adenoids,
- Food allergies, vomiting, colic, diarrhoea, constipation, diabetes, poor appetite, teething
- Bedwetting, kidney problems, cystitis, urinary tract infections
- Eczema, hives, psoriasis, dermatitis, nappy rash
- ADD/ADHD, learning difficulties, dyslexia, epilepsy / seizures, anxiety, depression, temper tantrums
- Measles, chicken pox, mumps, rubella, glandular fever
- Failure to thrive, chronic fatigue
- Insomnia, nighttime crying, nightmares, night terrors, night fevers
- Difficulties to adapt to a new environment (creche, school, moving house, …) or family situation (separation, new siblings, absent or ill family member,…)
How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments needed for improvement of a condition depend on the duration and severity of the child’s health problem. A simple condition may resolve with only one or two treatments, a chronic condition may require weeks or even months of treatment. Sometimes, only lifestyle or diet changes are all that is necessary for your child to get better. At your first visit I will give you an idea of what your child needs.
When your child is well, it’s a good idea to bring your child in for a “tune-up” at the turn of the seasons.
What are the costs?
Each half-hour session costs NZ $45.00.
How to make an appointment
Please call our reception on (04) 802 4062 or email info@japanese-acupuncture.co.nz with your complete contact information.
For your child’s first appointment:
Please download and print out this form and bring the completed form with you. If your child is still quite young, please bring along his/her favourite toy or doll. A relaxed child responds much better to treatment.