Believe it or not, children also benefit from acupuncture and Chinese medicine. We frequently treat children for a wide range of issues. The providers at Integrative Acupuncture in Montpelier and Williston have experience treating children and are parents themselves. They strive to provide a comfortable experience for your child while tending to their health care needs, naturally.
Acupuncture and Children
Acupuncture for kids is a different experience then it is for adults. Our acupuncturists may use acupuncture needles on children as young as newborns. We use much smaller needles and we do not retain the needles as long as an adult treatment. Sometimes for our very young patients, there is no retention time at all and the needle is immediately removed. Many children do not notice the insertion of needles.
We accommodate children’s comfort by providing the treatment in a flexible setting. Some babies and toddlers receive their care while nursing or having a bottle, some parents bring snacks, books or games for the treatment time. For adolescents and young adults, the needles may be retained for 5, 10 or 15 minutes.
Needle-less Treatment For Children
Some children have had stressful experiences with needles and we respect their desire for needle-less treatment. We have a number of effective care solutions that do not involve needles. We use acupressure, cupping, craniosacral therapy, aromatherapy, nutrition, and herbs to help children without the use of acupuncture needles. One of our acupuncturists, Jonathan Fleming, specializes in the use of non needle techniques for children using shonishin Japanese acupressure tools. Sometimes once we establish a relationship with the child, we introduce acupuncture at a later appointment.
What Do We Treat?
Everything that adults use acupuncture for, children can. We can help with pain, stress, digestive issues, immunity and more. Children often recover from imbalances quicker then adults and usually require less treatments then adults. We work with infants to help with latching to the breast for feeding, colic, and traumatic birth. Our providers will communicate with any other medical professional your child is working with to create an integrated healthcare experience for their best health.
