Children's Acutherapy
Children’s bodies are naturally sensitive and attuned to their environments. This means that they heal very quickly and can also get sick easily. I am a mother of two and taught children for many years before becoming an acupuncturist, so it is a joy for me to practice painless healing methods with children.
I use slightly different methods for children including cups, gua sha, acupressure, crystal points, and shonishin (needles that stimulate the skin but don’t puncture) to help their bodies to come back into balance. I also prescribe safe and mostly organic herbs for teas and baths.
Though children may have an initial fear to come in, I find that children generally love these sessions and greatly look forward to them. Being asked about their health directly is very meaningful for them often. Most children do very well with the teas I prescribe after our session as well. I do often tell their parents that a spoonful of honey (and possibly milk) helps the medicine go down!
The gentlest thing in the world
overcomes the hardest thing in the world.
That which has no substance
enters where there is no space.
This shows the value of non-action.
- Tao Te Ching by Lao Zsu, Translated by Stephen Mitchell
It is my policy to not use needles on a child less than 15 years old, as I feel it is not necessary to achieve the desired results when working with developing bodies.
I am playful, kind and sensitive with children because I know from personal experience the importance of creating trust and a safe place to share their health challenges. Parents/caregivers are always in attendance with their children unless they are teens and ready to have a session on their own.
I am part of cohort of acupuncturists trained at the STAD center at UCSF in Integrative TCM Pediatrics with Robyn Adcock, LAc., Director of Integrative Health at UCSF, where I continually update my studies.