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Tag: children’s acupuncture

Pediatric Acupuncture: Dealing with Digestive Issues and Abdominal Pain

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

Pediatric acupuncture isn’t as well-known or widely explored as acupuncture for adults. However, acupuncture for children can be extremely helpful, especially in cases where children are unable to take necessary medications for any reason.

 

You may have some misgivings about subjecting your children to acupuncture. However, it may just be effective in addressing your child’s needs.

 

pediatric acupuncture

 

Common digestive health problems in children

There are actually a lot of things that can go wrong with a child’s digestive health. Babies can get colicky, and older children can have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), celiac disease, lactose intolerance, food allergies, and a host of other digestive issues. These issues can manifest in a variety of symptoms, such as stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and more.

 

Stomach problems may go away after a day or so, but some can persist and happen again sometime down the line. However, stomach problems can also affect your child’s attendance at school, as well as his or her participation in extracurricular and social activities. Acupuncture can be an effective complement to medications and remedies, and it can also be an alternative if your child can’t take these medications and remedies for one reason or another.

 

However, it’s important to remember that acupuncture isn’t a cure. It’s also best if you consult with your child’s pediatrician first to ensure that your child will benefit fully from pediatric acupuncture.

 

 

Stomach pain

Stomach pain is one of the more common complaints that children make. This usually isn’t a condition in itself, but rather a symptom of other issues. The child may be suffering from gas, acid reflux, food allergies, or mono. He or she may have also eaten something that he should not have.

 

Children’s digestive systems can be quite sensitive, so stomach pain may happen often. Certain triggers such as fear and anxiety can also lead to stomach pain. Still, there are times that stomach pain may not be serious. However. it can also be a sign that your child needs medical attention.

 

Consulting with your child’s pediatrician is usually your best bet. You can also talk to the pediatrician about how pediatric acupuncture can help your child manage his or her stomach pain.

 

 

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is another digestive issue that children can be prone to. There’s also the added danger of dehydration due to diarrhea, and complications may arise if diarrhea isn’t dealt with properly. Things such as bacterial infections, antibiotics, food poisoning, food allergies, and celiac disease can all result in diarrhea.

 

While diarrhea should go away on its own in 24 hours or so, parents should monitor it especially when it comes to very young children. It’s best to consult with a pediatrician when your child begins having diarrhea to learn more about what you should watch out for.

 

 

Constipation

Just as diarrhea can be a dangerous illness for a child, so can constipation. If your child is having difficulty passing stool, or he has been passing stool just three days or fewer in a week, you may have something to be worried. Your child may also experience a stomach ache, pain during bowel movement, or he may also have blood on his stool.

 

Your child’s constipation may have been caused by one of these causes. He may have fear or anxiety over going to the toilet, his routine may have changed, or he may be taking medications that can cause constipation. There are more possible causes, and taking your child to the pediatrician may be helpful in figuring out what’s causing his problems.

 

Sometimes, constipation can lead to more digestive problems, or can be a symptom of an underlying issue. Speaking to your child’s pediatrician will let you know if you have something to be worried about.

 

pediatric acupuncture
Pediatric acupuncture can help restore balance in a child’s body. Photo via Pixabay.

 

 

Pediatric acupuncture and digestive health

Digestive issues aren’t always clear-cut and straightforward, especially in children. A child can be perfectly fine when you put him to bed at night, and he can be curled up and crying because of abdominal pain in the morning. Finding the exact cause of the problem may take time, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other ways to help children manage the symptoms of digestive issues.

 

At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, you may be able to find the help you’ve been looking for. Tram Pham, our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, can help your child get past their digestive issues. Tram has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine, and she also has years of experience in providing patients with holistic healthcare based on age-old modalities.

 

 

Acupuncture in a nutshell

According to traditional Chinese medication (TCM), we have an energy force called qi (pronounced “chee”) flowing through our body along markers called meridians. Qi influences our health and well-being. When qi gets out of balance or is concentrated around a certain meridian, this can result in illness.

 

In acupuncture, the insertion of fine needles into acupuncture points can stimulate the qi to return to its usual flow.

 

 

How acupuncture can help

Pediatric acupuncture can help children deal with pain caused by factors ranging from headaches to fibromyalgia, including pain in the abdomen. Some children may be unable to take pain medication for certain reasons, but acupuncture is an all-natural and low-risk remedy.

 

Research has shown that acupuncture can help resolve digestive problems such as IBS. It can also help treat abdominal pain, and other signs of a distressed digestive system. There have also been studies that have found that acupuncture can help stimulate the production of endorphins. Other than that, it can normalize the body’s pain matrix as well.

 

According to TCM, various illnesses are caused by an imbalance in the body’s energy. Acupuncture can help these issues by addressing the roots of the symptoms, such as disturbances in the spleen and stomach.

 

 

Is acupuncture safe?

If you’re not familiar with acupuncture, it may seem intimidating at first. It may seem even more intimidating to children, some of whom may also have a fear of needles. However, acupuncture needles are thinner than needles used in hospitals and clinics, and they don’t cause pain when inserted. However, patients are likely to experience a feeling of heaviness or some tingling in the needle insertion sites.

 

It’s also important that you stick to licensed and experienced acupuncturists operating in legitimate clinics. Acupuncture has little side effects, and side effects are usually mild. However, serious side effects such as infections may occur due to the use of unsterilized needles. Fortunately, licensed and skilled acupuncturists make sure that they use needles only once and on only one person.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

 

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

Safety is a top priority at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic. Here, you can be sure that your child will be in good hands. The clinic has been in the business of providing holistic healthcare since 1986, and it is still going strong to this day. Tram, our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, is continuing the clinic’s tradition of providing age-old treatments to people in the Santa Barbara and Goleta area.

 

Book an appointment or schedule a consultation about pediatric acupuncture by calling us at 805-563-0222 or emailing us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com. Tram also conducts consultations over the phone or via video call, which comes in handy if you’re not within driving distance of the clinic. Contact us today to begin your journey to all-natural healthcare!

 

 

References

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007504.htm

 

https://www.webmd.com/children/guide/diarrhea-treatment#1

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation-in-children/symptoms-causes/syc-20354242

 

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=31380

 

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1648-acupuncture-moves-stool-relieves-constipation

 

http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article132021139.html

 

http://www.acupuncture.com/Conditions/childabpain.htm

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928723/

 

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1397-acupuncture-eases-pain-for-children-stanford-university

Acupuncture for Children: Studies, Treatment and Benefits

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic
Acupuncture for Children
Photo Source: John-Mark Smith, Unsplash

 

There are many health benefits that come with acupuncture, especially for children who have health concerns ranging from anxiety to ADHD, chronic pain, and much more. There’s also an extra gentle treatment protocol performed specifically in pediatric acupuncture. According to a National Health Statistics report in 2007, there were around 150,000 children in the USA that underwent acupuncture treatment for cases such as anxiety, headaches, migraines, abdominal pain, and musculoskeletal problems.

 

The tricky thing about acupuncture for children is that the patient might be afraid of needles. If your child has anxiety around needles, they can choose acupressure, which doesn’t have needling and would only require pressing certain acupuncture points. There are also a variety of pediatric acupuncture techniques suitable for children, which may depend on their symptoms and temperament. For example, children may often move around during the treatment if they have trouble sitting still. Depending on their age and condition, your acupuncturist will only leave in needles for up to 20 minutes, However, the acupuncturist may also remove the needles before 20 minutes are up without the treatment losing effectiveness.

 

More often than not, when the acupuncturist and parents convince kids about the slight and brief sensations of needles, the treatment plan comes without much fuss. As acupuncture also induces the release of endorphins, a child patient instantly feels relief from symptoms.

 

 

Acupuncture for Pain in Children

There have been several studies conducted on pediatric acupuncture for a variety of health issues. On one study, children who received acupuncture treatments experienced relief from symptoms of chronic complaints, stomach ache, back ache and headaches. Another study showed that more than a half of patients experienced improvement from migraines, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and endometriosis. Through acupuncture, children can experience better sleep, fewer school absences, and more extracurricular activities.

 

 

Acupuncture for ADHD

Acupuncture has been used as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs for a wide range of ailments, including ADHD. Parents go for acupuncture for their children in order to avoid the negative side effects that come with ADHD medication. More and more parents are turning to acupuncture to reestablish and maintain the healthy constitution of their children.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

Pediatric Acupuncture For Other Health Concerns

Acupuncture can also be used to treat allergies, asthma, coughs, colds, tummy aches, constipation, diarrhea, ear infections, eczema and body pain. A licensed acupuncturist will also assess your child’s medical history, emotional well-being, diet, environment and toxic load, and other factors to determine the right treatment plan.

 

 

Is Acupuncture Safe for Children?

Dr. Sunita Vohra from the CARE Program for Integrative Health and Healing at the University of Alberta stated that pediatric acupuncture is safe under trained hands.  Results from peer-reviewed studies show that most adverse effects of acupuncture are mild, and are only about 11% of cases. Acupuncture for children also doesn’t need intense needling, as the needles can just be inserted in and out quickly. Also, children will barely feel the hair-thin acupuncture needles. Most of the time, child patients experience relief from symptoms after one or two treatments of acupuncture therapy.

 

 

Does an Acupuncture Treatment Hurt?

Acupuncture treatments are relatively pain-free. At most, children may experience numbness, dull ache, or a slight tingling sensation around the needle insertion site. There are instances that a child may cry during the treatment, but the sensation will go away quickly. The acupuncturist may give a little massage to the insertion sites to lessen the sensation.

 

 

Take the Next Step By Consulting with a Licensed Acupuncturist

Acupuncture is a natural, safe and effective treatment for children, with a host of benefits that can be experienced for a long time. Book an appointment now with our licensed acupuncturist to get a consultation and treatment which are specific to your child’s health needs. Our acupuncturist, Tram Pham L.Ac, also conducts phone and video consultations for those who can’t come to our Santa Barbara clinic. We also ship herbal prescriptions from our in-house pharmacy to your address.

 

 

 

References

Acupuncture For Kids | Cleveland Clinic Children’s Health Team – https://health.clevelandclinic.org/acupuncture-for-kids/

 

Acupuncture For Kids, Children | Red Tent Health Centre –
http://redtent.com.au/therapies/acupuncture/acupuncture-chinese-med-for-children/

 

Is Acupuncture Safe For Kids? Catherine Pearson – https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/21/acupuncture-safe-children_n_1102024.html

 

The Benefits Of Acupuncture For Children | PCOM – https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/01/21/benefits-acupuncture-children

 

Acupuncture for Children: Is it Safe and Reliable?

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

Acupuncture for children may not seem like the best idea at first. After all, a lot of children aren’t all that good at holding still for too long. However, you may be surprised at how acupuncture can help your kids. You may also be surprised at how well your kids can take to this ancient healthcare practice.

 

acupuncture for children
Photo by Delfi de la Rua/Unsplash.com

 

Childhood ailments that acupuncture can help treat

There is a variety of things that can affect our children’s health and impact their everyday activities. Some ailments and symptoms can make your child miss school or keep them from extracurricular activities and socializing.

 

Other than that, of course, we don’t want to see our children ailing or in pain. Fortunately, there are many ways to help children who aren’t feeling well, including acupuncture. There are certain medications and remedies that can help treat children’s issues, but some parents may choose not to let their children undergo these treatments for different reasons. Acupuncture for children can be a good alternative as well as complement to these treatments.

 

Researchers have found evidence that acupuncture can be effective against certain illnesses and afflictions in children:

 

  • Colic
  • Back pain
  • Headaches
  • Stomach pain
  • Endometriosis
  • Sleep problems
  • Joint pain
  • Anxiety
  • Muscle aches
  • Asthma and other respiratory problems
  • And more

 

Acupuncture for children

It may be surprising, but acupuncture is actually child-friendly. There is a respectable body of research that has found that acupuncture is safe and effective for children, and can help them maintain their health as well as their scholastic performance.

 

Of course, like any other kind of treatment, acupuncture is at its safest and most effective when it’s done by trained and experienced practitioners. Thus, if you want your child to undergo acupuncture, make sure that you seek out a practitioner that you can trust.

 

The Santa Barbara Herb Clinic has been in the business of providing healthcare guided by the age-old principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over two decades. Our current owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, Tram Pham, has extensive training in acupuncture and other treatments under TCM. She has a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University in Los Angeles, as well as years of experience that have honed her skills and expertise.

 

The basics of acupuncture

Acupuncture is an important part of TCM. According to the principles of TCM, our health and well-being is governed by our energy force, called qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi flows through the body in channels called meridians. When qi flows normally, it results in good health and a good disposition. However, when this flow gets out of sync or gets concentrated in certain meridians, it can result in illness or other disturbances.

 

To restore the proper flow of qi, an acupuncturist would insert very fine needles through the skin in specific parts of the body called acupuncture points. Each acupuncture point corresponds to a certain symptom, and the stimulation of these acupuncture points can result in the alleviation of those symptoms.

 

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years, and it has developed over time. In more recent years, scientists have been more interested in this ancient practice. Through numerous studies, scientists have found that not only can acupuncture for children be effective, it also has minimal side effects when trained and skilled professionals administer it.

 

Usually, acupuncture can result in tingling or a feeling or heaviness in the body. This is a common effect of the treatment, and some even consider it to mean that the treatment is working. Numerous studies on acupuncture have found that side effects are minimal and are very rarely severe, and that these side effects are usually the result of an inexperienced and unlicensed acupuncturist or unsanitized needles.

 

However, at reputable practices with licensed acupuncturists, you can be assured that every needle has been sanitized and will only be used once and on a single patient. Even so, before you book an acupuncture appointment for your child, make sure to consult with her pediatrician first.

 

The effectiveness of acupuncture

acupuncture for cihldren
Babies can receive acupuncture treatment with little issues. Photo by Colin Maynard/Unsplash.com.

 

Babies and children can actually benefit from acupuncture, just like adults. For one thing, acupuncture for children can help reduce the number of times that you take your child to the hospital.

 

While TCM and Western medicine can complement each other extremely well, they also look at things quite differently. Western medicine bases treatments on the ailment itself, while TCM bases treatments on the individual patient and his or her symptoms. Thus, one visit to an acupuncturist can help address several symptoms at once.

 

It’s also possible that your child may be allergic to or otherwise unable to take necessary medications or undergo necessary treatments. Acupuncture can be a helpful alternative, and it can also be an effective complement to existing treatments.

 

Acupuncture treatments for babies and children also don’t take as long and aren’t as intensive as treatments tailored for adults.

 

You may be thinking, however, how babies can stay still long enough to endure the process of acupuncture. According to researchers, acupuncture can help colicky babies calm down. An experiment revealed that practitioners can administer acupuncture while babies are asleep, and that the treatment rarely wakes babies up.

 

One thing that you need to remember, however, is that acupuncture is not a replacement for medical treatment. If your child has a disease or health condition that needs to be managed, like diabetes, acupuncture is not a cure and will not make the condition go away.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

How to deal with fear of needles

Some children may have a fear of needles. Some may also be uncomfortable with the idea of having multiple needles piercing their skin. However, there are ways you can help your child get over this fear or discomfort.

 

It’s important to make it clear to the child that the needles will not be like the needles for giving shots or taking blood. Acupuncture needles are much thinner, and they don’t prick the way other needles do.

 

It’s also important to make sure that you introduce acupuncture to your child gradually. This will help her get used to the idea of the treatment. You can also let your child undergo acupressure first to help her understand how the treatment works.

 

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, you can be sure that acupuncture for children is safe and that we keep our equipment and instruments clean and sanitary. The clinic has also has a three-decade long tradition of providing the Santa Barbara and Goleta area with the ancient and time-proven practices of traditional Chinese medicine.

 

It’s never too early to start experiencing holistic and all-natural healthcare. You can make an appointment with Tram, our Licensed Acupuncturist, by calling us at 805-563-0222 or emailing us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com. You can also have a consultation over the phone or via video call.

 

 

 

References:

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/01/21/benefits-acupuncture-children

 

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/acupuncture-for-kids/

 

https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/is-acupuncture-safe-for-children-20151228/

 

http://time.com/4636204/acupuncture-baby-crying-colic/

Acupuncture and How It Could Help Deal with Puberty

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

puberty

Acupuncture and teens’ reproductive health

Acupuncture and reproductive health often go hand in hand when talking about women’s health. However, did you know reproductive health is also an important factor for young girls? According to statistical data, the age at which females today have their first menstruation is progressively getting younger. In fact, some girls reportedly get their periods as young as seven or eight. This is largely attributed to the kind of nutrition that children today are getting, which is heavier on fat than in previous decades. Consequently, their bodies not only grow faster physically but also to mature more quickly internally.

 

However, this does not automatically mean that their minds are also prepared for such transformations. Rapid changes to their body can lead to fear and confusion. These changes can also lead to anger, depression, and body-image disorders in the worst case. For girls, there’s also the issue of dealing with the symptoms that usually come with puberty. These symptoms include acne, PMS, cramps, and other stressors.  

 

 

Can acupuncture help children with puberty?

Yes, it can. Acupuncture could prove especially helpful with children’s issues. It seeks to bring back balance to all the systems in the body that adolescence can throw out of order. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that the root of many ailments is blockages in the body’s “meridians.” These are energy pathways that every person has running throughout the body. Specific ailments arise when blockages form in specific “points.”

 

These points and meridians have corresponding terms in Western medicine. They are part of a system of healing that is incredibly complete and comprehensive because it has been in practice for several thousand years. Fortunately, younger people have repeatedly shown themselves to be more responsive to treatments like acupuncture. This is mostly because their energy has not yet “set in.” It is still malleable like clay, and whatever issue may be present is easier to correct.

 

It is also not just the physical ails that come with puberty (like growing pains and acne) which acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine’s modalities seek to treat. The first thing that many patients remark on after receiving acupuncture is how much more relaxed they feel and how lighter and brighter their mood has become. Acupuncture triggers the release of “happy hormones” in the brain, contributing greatly to a patient’s emotional and mental wellbeing. This is greatly invaluable for adolescents who already have a cocktail of issues they have to deal with socially and interpersonally—without puberty making things even more difficult.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

About acupuncture in Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

The clinic’s owner and lead acupuncture practitioner is Ms. Tram Pham, L.Ac., and she takes pride in having women’s and children’s health as two of her major specialties. She took over the clinic from the renowned Dr. Henry Han who has passed in tragic circumstances and had studied under the late Dr. Richard Tan, who was Master and pioneer of the Balance Method of distal acupuncture. She combines all the knowledge and techniques under her belt with the vision and values that Santa Barbara Herb Clinic is known for in order to serve each and every patient in the manner they most need.

 

For instance, we can reassure needle-phobic children that they won’t feel much pain, if any at all, during treatments. This is because the clinic utilizes premium Japanese acupuncture needles that are sterile, longer, and thinner. Patients will feel little sensation from these needles, and in most cases for children, the needles won’t need to stay in for long.

 

Please give the clinic a call if you’d like to set an appointment. If you live outside the Goleta or Santa Barbara area, you may also have the option of getting a consultation via video or phone call. We can also prescribe herbal remedies prescribed from the clinic’s Herbal Pharmacy and mail them right to your doorstep.

 

 

 

 

References

Acupuncture For Teenagers | Lion’s Heart Wellness –  http://www.lionsheartwellness.com/lionsheartblog/acupuncture-for-teenagers

 

Why the Age You Get Your Period Matters – For the Rest Of Your Life. Taryn Hillin – https://splinternews.com/why-the-age-you-get-your-period-matters-for-the-rest-1793849647

Pediatric Mental Health: The Benefits of Acupuncture

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic
pediatric mental health
Photo Source: Sathyatripodi, Pixabay

 

For parents, it could come as a devastating shock to learn that mental illnesses can also develop in children. Thus, pediatric mental health is a serious matter. However, if we look back to when we ourselves were at that age, the reality could become clearer. There’s a good chance we too had gone through the same emotional and mental difficulties. These difficulties may include low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and anger. In fact, it’s fair to speculate that some, if not most, adults with mental health issues might be able to trace the roots of their condition back to their childhood.

 

It is no easy matter to address, but address it we must. Because if ever there’s a time when mental illness might possibly be reversed, it is during the person’s early years when they are still undergoing rapid and fluid transitions and their course through life, health, and happiness could be more readily adjusted for the better.

 

 

Do children and acupuncture mix?

Some of you might be thinking that the first question that needs answering is “How can you get children to agree to an acupuncture treatment?” and you’ll be correct. Most older children would need little encouragement, especially after trying it out once and feeling little to none of the pain they might be expecting. Most younger children, on the other hand, have a deep-seated fear of needles. In order to convince them that acupuncture needles are vastly different from those of syringes, they might need to see needle insertion being done to their parents or guardians and to be given reassurance that it doesn’t hurt and could barely be felt at all.

 

That doesn’t even have to be a white lie. Acupuncture in Santa Barbara Herb Clinic uses thinner and sharper Japanese acupuncture needles that enter the skin’s surface with far less resistance and with even lesser sensation. These premium needles are highly ideal for use in children, and they come at no extra cost. Because children’s acupuncture is one of the clinic’s specialties, we make it a point to only use this type of needle for all our patients in order to create an acupuncture experience that they would not only benefit from but also highly enjoy in the moment.

 

 

How can acupuncture improve pediatric mental health?

One example is when Tram Pham, our licensed acupuncturist, uses ear seeds for children experiencing anxiety. These are like stickers that she places on pressure points in the ear. The ear seeds have bumps on them and they stay on for several days. Children can press these bumps to release a pressure point that helps them feel calmer. Tram also prescribes custom herbs for patients who are seeking emotional balance so that they can continue the healing process between acupuncture treatments.

 

It may also come as another surprise that once children get over their apprehensions, acupuncture treatments can and do become pleasant and something they’d look forward to. As mentioned before, growing children are still highly adaptable both emotionally and mentally. And while this is good news in terms of the desired outcomes for traditional Chinese medicine modalities, this is also the main reason they’d need to get treatment like acupuncture in the first place. Growth hormones, along with the pressures of their environments, could throw the healthy and roaring flow of life energy in their bodies out of order. This can manifest as illnesses of the mind, spirit, and sometimes the body.

 

Acupuncture for children seeks to correct these imbalances. One of the ways that this can happen is through promoting the production of “happy hormones” like endorphins in the brain. This and acupuncture’s other holistic effects can induce relaxation. It can also ease tensions and anxieties, lift mood, and calm anger, among many other things. The welcome benefits might also be observed quicker in children than in adults, and this is also owing to their more open and adaptable nature.

 

Children

 

About acupuncture in Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

Our clinic’s owner and lead practitioner, Tram Pham, L.Ac., is both a mother and a medical practitioner. Tram thus strongly advocates the promotion of pediatric mental health and children’s wellness.

 

She studied the distal healing technique called the Balance Method under its late pioneer and Master, Dr. Richard Tan. She also took over the ownership and practice of Santa Barbara Herb Clinic from the late and renowned Dr. Henry Han.

 

To help adults and children alike attain their optimum health, she combines traditional Chinese healing modalities like fire cupping, tui na or acupressure, moxibustion, and herbal treatments with a highly effective acupuncture system. You can set an appointment for yourself or your child and visit us at the clinic. You can also opt for a remote consultation via phone or video call.

 

The clinic’s Herbal Pharmacy houses powerful and therapeutic herbs, teas, pills, and formulations. These can also serve to improve pediatric mental health and other conditions. We can mail herbal remedies straight to your door whether you live in the Goleta and Santa Barbara area or farther away.

 

 

 

 

References

Acupuncture and Mental Health in Teens | Acupuncture Health Insights –
http://acupuncturetwincities.com/2010/09/acupuncture-and-mental-health-in-teens/

 

Will Acupuncture Help Your Kid Or Totally Freak Them Out? Leigh Weingus – https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/benefits-of-acupuncture-for-kids

 

 

Pediatric Pain Disorders: How Acupuncture Can Help

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

Acupuncture can be an effective alternative treatment to pharmaceutical drugs for a wide range of ailments. This is why parents go for this natural healing method in treating their children. If your child is medication-sensitive, try acupuncture as a treatment for your child as it doesn’t have the side effects of regular medication. Moreover, studies have shown that the adverse effects of acupuncture are mild, and any sensation felt during or after needling are brief.

 

Parents tend to be okay with the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach of acupuncture to help treat their children’s disorders. However, children need to be primed or convinced that acupuncture can be fine for them. There are also extra gentle treatment protocols that guide children’s acupuncture treatment. At times, all the acupuncturist needs to do is to gently insert the needle in and out, with no need for the needles to stay on the skin for a long time.

 

pediatric pain
Photo Source: Alexander Dummer, Unsplash

 

Studies on Acupuncture for Pediatric Pain Management

According to a National Health Statistics report in 2007, there were around 150,000 children in the United States who received acupuncture treatment for cases such as abdominal pain, headaches, migraines, anxiety, and musculoskeletal problems. Another related treatment, which is acupressure, doesn’t involve needles, is often used to help children undergoing cancer treatment.

 

A study by Dr. Yuan-Chi Lin from the Harvard-affiliated Children’s Hospital found that children who received acupuncture reported relief from a variety of illnesses such as headaches, back pain, stomach ache, and other chronic complaints. The children experienced less pain after getting acupuncture compared to their condition before the treatment. The children also reported improved sleep, increased school attendance, and more participation in extracurricular activities with the help of acupuncture therapy.

 

An earlier study at the Children’s Hospital also found that 70% of patients experienced pain relief from acupuncture. The conditions that were treated included endometriosis, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and migraines.

 

Learn more about how acupuncture can help your child.

 

 

Acupuncture Treatment Method For Pediatric Pain Management

Acupuncture for children varies with age. If a child is under 6 years old, the treatment would just be around 10 – 15 minutes. For ages 6 to 12, it would be 15 – 20 minutes. For 12 to 16 years old, the treatment would span around 30 minutes.

 

Tram Pham, our licensed acupuncturist, would usually ask children to point out where the pain is, and what is the current pain level on a scale of 1 to 10. As Tram puts the needles in, she will ask the child to mobilize the area to help bring back the energy there. She then re-checks their pain level to see if it has moved to any secondary locations. The treatment continues up until the pain level has at least decreased to 50%.

 

Tram may also prescribe herbal remedies to treat pediatric pain disorders. This can be a tea which they can drink after meals. She can also recommend one of the many topical pain relievers available in our in-house herbal pharmacy. Children and adults find that our affordable and easy to use plasters and oils are of great help in relieving pain.

 

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

Is Acupuncture Safe for Children?

An article published by the journal Pediatrics presented peer-reviewed studies confirming that most adverse effects of acupuncture are mild. Dr. Sunita Vohra, director of the CARE Program for Integrative Health and Healing at the University of Alberta, stated that pediatric acupuncture is safe under trained hands.

 

During an acupuncture session, a practitioner will insert needles into different points on the body. This creates a stimulating or calming effect that can reduce certain symptoms. It can also encourage the release of endorphins in the body, which is why there’s a relieving or relaxing effect after the treatment.

 

If children are afraid of needles, they can undergo acupressure. Acupressure doesn’t involve needles and only involves applying pressure on certain acupuncture points in the body. The procedure can also be taught by a licensed acupuncturist to children, or administered by parents in cases where there’s a lot of anxiety around needles. Acupressure therapies, when done correctly, can provide relief from certain symptoms.

 

 

Does an Acupuncture Treatment Hurt?

Acupuncture treatments are relatively pain-free. The most that children will experience after an acupuncture treatment is a dull ache or slight tingling feeling around the base of the inserted needle. There are instances that a child may cry during the treatment, but the sensation will go away quickly. Your acupuncturist may give a little massage after taking out the needles to lessen the numbing.

 

 

Take the Next Step By Consulting with a Licensed Acupuncturist

Acupuncture is a natural, safe and effective treatment for pediatric pain as well as a variety of ailments. It tackles the root cause of your child’s health concerns and holistically heals the body. Book an appointment now by calling 805-563-0222 to get a consultation and treatment which are specific to your child’s health needs. Our licensed acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner, Tram Pham L.Ac, also conducts phone and video consultations. We also ship herbal prescriptions from our in-house pharmacy to wherever you are in the world.

 

 

 

References

Acupuncture For Kids | Children’s Health Team – Cleveland Clinic, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/acupuncture-for-kids/

 

Is Acupuncture Safe For Kids? Catherine Pearson – https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/21/acupuncture-safe-children_n_1102024.html

 

The Benefits Of Acupuncture For Children | PCOM – https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/01/21/benefits-acupuncture-children

 

 

 

Acupuncture for Children: Studies, Treatment and Health Benefits

Posted on by SB Herb Clinic

 

According to a peer review study by Jindal, Ge and Mansky in 2008, there is some efficacy and low risk associated with acupuncture for pediatric health cases. Also, parents are resorting to acupuncture for children due to its natural, holistic, low risk and effective results. Moreover, a National Health Statistics report in 2007 stated that there were around 150,000 children in the USA that underwent acupuncture treatment for a variety of health concerns.

 

acupuncture for children
Photo Source: Thiago Cerqueira, Unsplash

 

The thing about acupuncture is that it might take some convincing for children to go along with the treatment. There are also acupuncturists who don’t need to make the child stay still in order to perform the treatment. This is because most of the time, the needles will just be inserted in and out quickly. Thus, there can be a quick relief of symptoms experienced by the child.

 

If the child has anxiety around needles, he or she can go for acupressure. This is because acupressure doesn’t have needling and would only require pressing certain acupuncture points in the body. Also, some acupuncturists can even teach children how to do acupressure on themselves. Parents can also learn for themselves in order to help their children.

 

One-third of the pediatric pain centers in the USA now offer acupuncture for children as part of their healthcare services. More and more pediatricians are recognizing the value of acupuncture as a valid and helpful treatment option.

 

Here are just a few of the health issues that acupuncture for children can address:

 

 

 

Is Acupuncture for Children Safe?

acupuncture in Santa Barbara

 

Dr. Sunita Vohra from the University of Alberta states that pediatric acupuncture is safe under the trained hands of licensed acupuncturists. Similarly, results from peer-reviewed studies show that most adverse effects of acupuncture are only about 11% of cases, and most of it are mild. Another study also showed that the adverse effect occurring from acupuncture therapy is the same as taking penicillin. However, it is advised that acupuncture treatment should be delayed if the child has overeaten, experienced weakness, or is over fatigued.

 

Acupuncture treatments are also relatively pain-free. Because acupuncture needles are as thin as hair strands, they can be barely felt at all. Treatments done on children also doesn’t need intense needling, as the needles can just be inserted in and out quickly. Thus, the most that children will experience after an acupuncture treatment is numbness, dull ache, or a slight tingling sensation around the base of the needle. There are instances that a child may cry during the treatment, but the sensation will go away quickly.

 

The acupuncturist may give a little massage to the parts that the needles were inserted to lessen the numbing. As a result, young patients can experience relief of symptoms after one or two treatments of acupuncture therapy.

 

Establishing a friendly and calm environment before children go through with acupuncture treatments is important. Practitioners, with the assistance of the children’s parents, have to reduce the anxiety of children before acupuncture sessions. The use of toys, puppets or pictures can also help relax kids. Some children also have an increased acceptance of acupuncture when they try acupressure first.

 

 

Take the Next Step By Consulting with a Licensed Acupuncturist

Acupuncture is a natural, safe and effective treatment for children, and it has holistic health benefits that your child can experience for a long time. Book an appointment now with our licensed acupuncturist to get a consultation and treatment which are specific to your child’s health concerns. If you’re in the Santa Barbara or Goleta area, come by our clinic to start your journey towards holistic health.

 

Our acupuncturist, Tram Pham L.Ac, also conducts phone and video consultations for those who can’t come to our clinic. We also ship herbal prescriptions from our in-house pharmacy to wherever you are in the world.

 

 

 

References

Acupuncture For Kids | Cleveland Clinic Children’s Health Team – https://health.clevelandclinic.org/acupuncture-for-kids/

 

Acupuncture For Kids, Children | Red Tent Health Centre –
http://redtent.com.au/therapies/acupuncture/acupuncture-chinese-med-for-children/

 

Is Acupuncture Safe For Kids? Catherine Pearson – https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/21/acupuncture-safe-children_n_1102024.html

 

Safety and Efficacy of Acupuncture in Children A Review of the Evidence. Vanita Jindal – Adeline Ge – Patrick Mansky – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2518962/

 

The Benefits Of Acupuncture For Children | PCOM – https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/01/21/benefits-acupuncture-children