When people think of acupuncture, needles immediately come to mind. And the word needle together with babies doesn’t really fit well in parents’ minds. That’s why we decided to clarify some doubts and inform exactly what acupuncture treatment in babies is all about.
Acupuncture is an ancient technique from Chinese medicine aimed at treating various diseases and pains through metallic needles inserted into specific points of the body. According to Eastern knowledge, when the body becomes ill or shows uncomfortable symptoms, it’s a sign that the organism is out of balance.
The focus of acupuncture is to restore balance through the meridian points (energy channels) or specific points on the body. Considered an alternative therapy, more and more parents are seeking out this technique.
Its effects are so beneficial that it was recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization) as a complementary treatment for a large list of diseases, where the results have been proven. In the case of babies, it is a great ally for parents whose children have difficulty sleeping, restless sleep, and also helps improve digestive and respiratory problems.
Even when facing some skepticism about its effectiveness, tests carried out through magnetic resonance imaging were able to show that during acupuncture sessions, the brain is activated in various areas according to the points stimulated by the needles.
Is Acupuncture in Babies Only Done with Needles?
Some specialists in acupuncture for babies prefer not to use needles in treatment, since babies are fidgety and may make it difficult to place needles on specific points. For this, there are alternative methods that can be used to facilitate treatment.
Through rollers, laser, small wheels, tiny seeds like mustard seeds placed on the ear, or even without any object—just using fingers and pressure on the exact point. The use of needles is normally recommended only for children over 5 years old. All methods have shown visible results and parent satisfaction.
IMPORTANT: Some specialists prefer not to use conventional acupuncture needles in the treatment of babies and children, opting for alternatives such as cupping, tiny seeds, or pressure and heat from the fingers on precise points.
When deciding to seek this treatment, it is extremely important to look for qualified professionals, affiliated with entities or unions in the acupuncture field and, preferably, with good references, especially regarding acupuncture in babies.
During the pediatrician appointment, discuss this subject and ask for the opinion of the person following your child’s development. In some cases, the pediatrician themselves may recommend a trusted specialist in acupuncture for babies, so results can be observed together.
Indications for Acupuncture in Babies
Acupuncture in babies can be started from the first days of life, but unlike adult sessions where you need to remain still for an average of 20 minutes, baby sessions are much quicker and always under the supervision and presence of parents. The treatment has no contraindications and causes no side effects as long as it is performed by a specialist in acupuncture for babies.
The indications for acupuncture in babies are varied, but the most sought after are respiratory conditions like sinusitis, asthma, and rhinitis. For children already suffering from these issues, sessions can be carried out preventatively.
If symptoms usually appear in winter, sessions should begin in the preceding season to restore balance to the body. In the case of issues brought on by heat, such as diarrhea, throat infections, and stomach aches, preventative treatment should begin during the colder months.
Another common reason for acupuncture in babies in the first days of life is colic, sleep problems, restlessness, and sluggish intestines, which, according to evidence, respond quickly to treatment. Children with migraines or nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) can also be treated with acupuncture.
Other Benefits of Acupuncture
It is also indicated for controlling anxiety, reducing stress brought on by tense moments such as adapting to school, parental separation, or coping with the death of a family member. Acupuncture in babies and children helps balance their organs and regulate immunity. If there is a fear of needles, there are other alternatives you can discuss during a consultation with a professional.
During the consultation, all symptoms and reasons for seeking out this alternative therapy should be reported to the specialist, who will assess the real need and determine the most suitable course of treatment.
Even in sessions where needles are used, there is no need to fear pain. The needles are extremely thin, and their application is virtually painless and almost imperceptible. You can find sessions at very affordable prices depending on the location, and some training courses offer free treatment as long as the patient provides the materials needed.
For adults, acupuncture is recommended for a wide range of purposes such as PMS symptoms, depression, stroke recovery, back pain, muscle pain, fibromyalgia, and it can even help with weight loss. The acupuncture technique can be used by the whole family without fear of side effects.
See also: Acupuncture for Getting Pregnant
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