Acupuncture and Integrative Therapies - My Child Has

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Acupuncture and Integrative Therapies

Acupuncture and Integrative Therapies

Programs that treat this condition

Integrative Therapies Team

Medical Acupuncture Service

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese health care that dates back more than 2,500 years. It is based on the belief that the body contains energy called Qi (sounds like chee). This energy flows throughout the body on pathways called meridians. When a person is healthy, the energy flows freely. When a person is ill, the energy may be weak or blocked. During acupuncture treatment, the therapist tries to improve the energy flow along the meridians.

Who performs acupuncture?

A professionally trained acupuncturist performs acupuncture. In the state of Massachusetts all acupuncturists must be licensed. This is indicated by the letters Li.Ac. after their name. Medical doctors may also provide acupuncture treatment.

How old do you need to be to receive acupuncture?

Infants as young as 3-weeks old can undergo acupuncture therapy. Acupuncturists who treat children do not always use needles. They may use thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body. The acupuncturist may also use heat (moxibustion), massage, magnets, lasers or other devices. Sometimes, the acupuncturist recommends special diets or herbs to improve energy flow.

What happens before the treatment?

The acupuncturist talks with the patient (or parent) about his or her health history, including medications, diets and daily habits. The acupuncturist examines the patient's tongue and checks the pulse carefully in both wrists.

How is acupuncture performed?

The patient usually lies on a padded table. The acupuncturist stimulates the pathways where the energy flow is weak or blocked. If needles are used, they are as thin as fine hair and are not painful. Some patients get a tingling feeling where the needle is placed. Many say that they begin to feel comfortable and relaxed.

How long does a course of treatment last?

The length of treatment depends on the condition being treated. Most people receive three to 10 treatments over two to four weeks. Each individual treatment usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes. Treatment can be shorter for children.

What conditions can it help?

Acupuncture has been proven to help many painful conditions. It also reduces nausea. Many acupuncturists believe they can help other conditions, such as asthma and allergies. This has not been fully tested by scientific studies.

To learn more about acupuncture and integrative therapies, contact the Integrative Therapies Team at Children's Hospital Boston by calling 617-355-6279.


					Children's Hospital Boston is the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School

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