Paediatric Care · Mental Health · Clinical Monograph
Acupuncture for Children’s Well-being
Supporting a child’s mental health alongside their existing care
§ Abstract
Children’s mental health and well-being are often overlooked, with much focus placed on adult mental health awareness. However, it is becoming increasingly common for children to be diagnosed with developmental disorders or mental health issues — conditions that can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn, behave, and complete daily activities.
I.
Conditions Children Face
Common developmental or mental health issues that children may face include:
- Generalised or social anxiety
- Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
- Mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
II.
Why Choosing a Therapy Is Hard
Choosing the right therapy for a child’s mental health can be challenging for parents. Many options for children are similar to adult treatments — talk therapy and medication.
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Children may not be able to fully understand or explain their thoughts and feelings.
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Mental health symptoms in children may be different from those in adults.
III.
How Acupuncture Helps
Acupuncture has been shown to have a positive effect on conditions such as ADD, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD by helping to regulate and balance the body’s energy flow, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these conditions are often attributed to imbalances or blockages in the flow of Qi.
Beyond regulating that flow, acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the production of endorphins and other neurotransmitters, which can help reduce pain and improve mood. This can be especially beneficial for children who may be experiencing chronic pain or emotional distress.
Overall, acupuncture can help to improve the body’s general sense of well-being, which can have a positive impact on a variety of mental health conditions.
IV.
Three Conditions in the TCM View
ADHD & ADD
TCM pattern An excess of energy in the head and upper body.
Presenting as Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
Aim of treatment To redirect this excess energy and balance it throughout the body.
OCD
TCM pattern An excess of energy in the heart and lungs.
Presenting as Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
Aim of treatment To regulate this excess energy and restore balance to the body.
PTSD
TCM pattern An imbalance in the body’s sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Presenting as Anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance.
Aim of treatment To regulate these systems and reduce the associated symptoms.
V.
What Treatment Looks Like
Acupuncture is primarily known for remedying pain and reducing stress in adults, but it is also suitable for addressing underlying conditions, including children’s mental health. Many TCM diagnoses for mental health are based on digestive and immune responses, and can be treated simultaneously with mental health symptoms or diagnosed conditions.
Non-Invasive
Unlike medication, no substances are introduced into the body.
The Mechanism
Targets chemical changes in the brain to initiate the body’s natural self-healing and modulate its response to stress.
The Room
The treatment space is calm and promotes relaxation.
Session Length
A 30-minute needle retention time, varying with the treatment required and the child’s conduct.
Please Read
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option for children with mental health issues, and is often used in conjunction with other therapies or medication. It is not a replacement for a child’s prescribed care — please keep their physician or mental-health provider informed, and continue any treatment they have advised.
Book With Us
At Huatuo Clinic, we offer acupuncture treatments for children’s mental health and overall well-being. Our team of experienced practitioners is dedicated to providing safe and effective treatments for children of all ages.
Contact us today to book an appointment and discover how acupuncture can promote your child’s health and well-being.