Acupuncture is the use of very fine filiform needles to stimulate specific points on the body. These points have a wide variety of actions and in combination can help stimulate healing, improve nerve function, regulate nervous system balance, increase peripheral vascular circulation, regulate digestion and improve sleep. We offer a variety of acupuncture services including auricular (ear) acupuncture, private Japanese or Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and community (group) acupuncture. Acupuncture can effectively address most medical conditions in a safe and natural manner. We also offer Mei Zen cosmetic acupuncture to help keep you feeling and looking your very best.

What is pediatric acupuncture?

Pediatric Acupuncture is a specialized approach to acupuncture. It involves the insertion of hair-fine needles under the skin, or other similar methods, for children between 1 month to 18 years old. The main goal of acupuncture is to regulate, balance, and strengthen the body. We offer two types of acupuncture. Both styles promote a child's body to heal naturally and improve function

Shoni-shin: This is a painless Japanese style of acupuncture without needles. Trained practitioners use small metal shoni-shin tools to scratch, tap, or brush on the child's skin over acupuncture pathways. This treatment gently relaxes and stimulates the child's body back into balance. Shoni-shin was developed in Japan and is still a main method for pediatric healthcare there.

Acupoint Stimulation: This type can include the following:

1. Acupressure: Touching or massaging specific acupoints on the child's skin.
2. Acupuncture: Inserting very thin (as thin as a hair) sterile, single-use needles into the skin at specific acupoints on the body. Sometimes, small bandages with tiny stimulating points or magnets are used. These are called press-tacks.

What can pediatric acupuncture treat?

Pediatric acupuncture can treat the following conditions:

Allergies

Ear infections

ADHD

Emotional outbursts

Anxiety

Headaches

Asthma

Muscle weakness and fatigue

Bed wetting

Pain of all kinds

Cold and flu symptoms

Poor sleeping patterns

Colic

Skin conditions such as acne and eczema

Constipation

Seizures and epilepsy

Cough

Stomach aches

Cancer treatment side effects

Does pediatric acupuncture hurt?

Most children do not think the treatments are painful. They say Shoni-shin feels like tickling or a small mosquito bite, if they feel it at all.

Is pediatric acupuncture safe?

Yes, pediatric acupuncture is safe. For children with low immune function or blood diseases like leukemia we may make adjustments to the type and timing of treatments.

What can I expect at my child's acupuncture appointment?

At your child's first appointment, a pediatric acupuncturist will evaluate your child's condition and decide on a treatment plan. This may include acupuncture, herbs or supplements, and nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Before acupuncture treatment

Have your child eat before their appointment. It is best for your child not to receive acupuncture if they have an empty stomach. However, your child should not eat a heavy meal before or after the session. Do not give your child caffeine for several hours before and after treatment.

Do not brush your child's tongue. The acupuncturist will look at the color and texture of your child's tongue during the appointment as part of their diagnosis.

Have your child wear comfortable, loose clothes to the appointment. The acupuncturist may need to roll up your child's sleeves and pants to the knees and elbows.

During acupuncture treatment

After evaluating your child's condition the acupuncturist will put sterile, superfine needles at points where your child needs them. These needles are about three hairs thick and are used only once. The acupuncturist will dispose of them immediately after your child's treatment.

Acupuncture makes your child's body relax, and they may fall asleep during the treatment.

A typical acupuncture appointment lasts 1 hour. This includes time to talk about your child's progress as well.

Each child responds to acupuncture at a different pace. Children with acute conditions may be treated within 6-12 acupuncture sessions. Children with long-lasting conditions may need more treatment. Your acupuncturist will give you and your child an estimate for treatments at your child's first appointment.

After acupuncture treatment

Your child will usually feel great after an acupuncture treatment. However, their body is still re-balancing.

To maximize the effects of acupuncture, have your child relax and maintain their normal level of activity or take a nap if they feel like it.

Make sure your child drinks plenty of water. It's important to keep hydrated to help the body heal and recover.

Cupping has many applications. It can be used to treat a common cold, release muscle tension, sedate the nervous system, activate the immune system and encourage blood flow. The process of cupping involves creating a vacuum within a glass or bamboo cup and placing it on the body. This causes the soft tissue on the surface to be pulled into the cup. It is like a reverse massage; instead of pushing through the tissue, cupping is pulling through the tissue. There are generally three types of cupping. Flash Cupping involves placing and removing the cups in a rapid manner. Stationary Cupping involves applying the cups onto the body and leaving them in the same place for short periods of time. Moving or Sliding Cupping involves placing the cups on the body and sliding them around the affect area or acupuncture points. It can even be used on the face to improve the skin.

Gua Sha uses a tool with a rounded edge to “scrape” the skin and stimulate blood flow to the area. Modern science can’t explain directly all the reactions that are observed in the patient following a session, but we do know that it: • Increases immune system activity and can help stop a cold before it starts • Increases blood flow to the local area and helps release muscle tension and alleviate pain • Is safe for patients of all ages and conditions- unlike the much more aggressive and painful Graston technique employed by some chiropractors and physical therapists.

Moxibustion is an external heat therapy that is used to correct imbalances in the body. Moxibustion encompasses a wide variety of Traditional Chinese Medical herbs, but Mugwort Leaf/Floss is the most common herb used. The herb is burned near or on acupuncture points and/or affected areas of the body. The herb produces a broad spectrum infrared beam when burned that can penetrate deep into the body and trigger a variety of healing responses. Moxibustion is excellent for increasing circulation and alleviating the discomfort of arthritis. It can do this by quickening the blood, warming the tissue, and breaking up stagnation, drying dampness and stopping pain. Moxibustion has a long history dating back further than Acupuncture. There are many different forms and techniques of moxibustion used in our clinic with great success.

Tui Na is a style of massage based on acupressure and an understanding of how the meridians relate to overall health and balance. Tui Na is ideal of those recovering from injuries, athletes who train hard and those who suffer from chronic tension in the muscles.

Kelly Kohler, LMT provides deep tissue, relaxation, hot stone and aromatherapy massages. Contact her at (270) 723-3331 to schedule an appointment or online at http://www.kellykholer.massagetherapy.com

Jan Swope, RN MA provides Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Craniosacral Therapy and Healing Touch by appointment at (270) 766-8869.