Pediatrics and Acupuncture
“A person’s a person, no matter how small”
Safe, Evidence-Informed Care for Children and Adolescents
Pediatric acupuncture is a gentle and effective therapeutic approach that supports children’s physical and emotional health. Unlike adult treatments, pediatric acupuncture uses very fine needles for only a few seconds, or in many cases, employs needle-free techniques such as acupressure, Shonishin (pediatric tools), massage, or laser stimulation. These methods are designed to be comfortable, minimally invasive, and well-tolerated by children of all ages — from infants to adolescents.
How Pediatric Acupuncture Works
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), children are seen as highly dynamic and responsive to treatment. Their developing systems often respond quickly to subtle therapeutic stimulation. Pediatric acupuncture works by activating specific points on the body to:
Support healthy immune function
Regulate digestion and metabolism
Balance the nervous system and emotional responses
Promote healthy growth and development
Enhance the body’s natural ability to heal
These effects can complement conventional pediatric care, creating a more holistic approach to children’s health.
Conditions Commonly Supported by Acupuncture
Clinical studies and decades of practice have shown acupuncture can support a wide range of pediatric conditions, including:
Allergies and asthma
Anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances
Attention-related and behavioral concerns (e.g., ADHD)
Bedwetting and urinary concerns
Colic and digestive issues (e.g., reflux, constipation)
Common colds, ear infections, and recurrent illness
Eczema and other skin conditions
Headaches and migraines
Musculoskeletal pain, growing pains, and sports injuries
Pediatric acupuncture may be used alone or in conjunction with conventional medical treatment, depending on each child’s unique needs.
Safety and Clinical Considerations
Pediatric acupuncture is considered safe when performed by a licensed practitioner with specialized pediatric training. Treatments are carefully adapted to the child’s age, health status, and comfort level. For children who are sensitive to needles, effective non-needle techniques can be used instead.
Most children experience minimal to no discomfort, and many find the sessions relaxing. Positive changes are often noticed within a short series of treatments.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Session
Comprehensive Evaluation: A detailed discussion of your child’s health history and concerns.
Personalized Treatment Plan: Tailored to the child’s age, comfort level, and condition.
Gentle Treatment: Using fine needles or non-needle methods in a calm and supportive setting.
Follow-Up & Care: Recommendations for follow-up visits or complementary therapies if needed.
Parents are welcome to stay with their child throughout the session to ensure comfort and reassurance.
An Integrative Approach to Children’s Health
Pediatric acupuncture offers families a natural, evidence-informed, and integrative option to support their child’s health and well-being. By stimulating the body’s self-healing mechanisms, acupuncture can help reduce symptoms, build resilience, and enhance overall quality of life.
Schedule a Pediatric Consultation
At Root and Bloom HW we love children and working with them. We use a very gentle, non-needle technique called Shonishin, a Japanese style of pediatric acupuncture. This is an extremely safe and effective treatment with the goal of rebalancing the energy of the body, stimulating specific areas to trigger self-healing energy. This treatment is often combined with gentle massage, nutritional guidance, herbal formulas, magnetic therapy, and supplements. Children enjoy the treatments and respond very well.
If you’re interested in learning how acupuncture can support your child’s health, we welcome you to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll develop a personalized care plan designed to meet your child’s unique needs in a gentle, effective, and holistic way.