Acupuncture for Children's Health
- Dr Sunila Prasad
- May 6
- 3 min read
Is Acupuncture for Children Really a Thing?
Absolutely! Acupuncture isn’t just for adults—it can be a gentle, effective treatment for infants, children, and teenagers. In fact, paediatric acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular as more parents seek holistic approaches to support their child’s health and well-being.
What Can Acupuncture Help with in Children?
Paediatric acupuncture can be used to support a variety of common health concerns, including:
Digestive Issues
Tummy aches and bloating
Acid reflux
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Food intolerances
Immune Support
Frequent colds and infections
Allergies and asthma
Eczema and other skin conditions
Constipation and Secondary Bedwetting
Regulating bowel movements
Supporting bladder control
Addressing nervous system imbalances
Mental Health & Emotional Well-being
Anxiety and stress management
Sleep disturbances
Emotional regulation
Support during transitions (school changes, family stress)
Neurodivergence Support (Autism & ADHD)
Supporting focus and emotional regulation
Supporting sensory processing challenges
Helping with self-soothing techniques
Menstrual Concerns
Irregular periods
Painful cramps
PMS symptoms
For more reading: https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/pediatric-acupuncture/
How is Acupuncture for Children Different from Adults?
Paediatric acupuncture is specially adapted to be safe, gentle, and comfortable for young patients. Here’s how it differs from adult acupuncture:
The Diagnostic Process: Practitioners take extra care to assess a child’s unique constitution, emotional state, and symptoms through observation and discussion with the parent/caregiver.
Fewer Needles: Children typically need fewer needles compared to adults.
Gentle Needling Technique: The needles are ultra-fine, and in some cases, they are inserted and removed almost immediately (especially for younger children).
Shorter Retention Time: Unlike adult acupuncture, where needles are left in for 15-30 minutes, paediatric acupuncture may involve quick insertion and removal or up to 10-15 minutes of retention.
More Use of Ancillary Techniques: Other gentle therapies such as Shonishin (a needle-free Japanese technique using small tools to stimulate acupuncture points), Tui Na (Chinese medical massage), Moxibustion (gentle heat therapy), Cupping, and Gua Sha can be used in place of or alongside acupuncture needles.
Will My Child Tolerate Acupuncture?
Many parents worry that their child won’t sit still or will be afraid of the needles. However, with the right approach—and gentle patience and reassurance—most children tolerate acupuncture incredibly well. In fact, many children find the process relaxing and even enjoyable!
One of the key principles of paediatric acupuncture is giving the child control. Children should always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and they can refuse treatment at any point—even if the caregiver wants to continue. This ensures a positive experience and builds trust with both the practitioner and the therapy itself.
The Bottom Line: Acupuncture is Safe and Effective for Children
With the right modifications, acupuncture can be a fantastic tool to support children’s health. Whether your child struggles with tummy troubles, anxiety, ADHD, sleep issues, or menstrual concerns, paediatric acupuncture offers a gentle and effective way to restore balance and improve overall well-being.
Looking for a Paediatric Acupuncturist in South London?
If you’re curious about how acupuncture can support your child, I’d love to help! At SP Acupuncture in South Croydon, I offer tailored treatments for children and teens and my previous work as an NHS Paediatric doctor means your child is in safe hands.
Book a free discovery call today to see if acupuncture is the right fit for your child.
📍 Serving families in Croydon, Purley, Bromley, Sutton, and the surrounding areas of South London & Surrey.
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