Is pediatric acupuncture beneficial? Is acupuncture suitable for children?

Acupuncture, as a traditional therapy, has positive therapeutic effects for many people, but it is not suitable for everyone, especially for children and adults under specific conditions. In terms of pediatric acupuncture, although there are fewer side effects, the main issue is that children may find it difficult to cooperate with the treatment due to slight pain. Therefore, for children with low compliance, a simplified acupuncture method can be taken, only inserting the needle without retaining it, to reduce discomfort. When pregnant women receive acupuncture, careful selection of acupoints is necessary to avoid abdominal, lumbosacral, and certain lower limb acupoints to protect the safety of the fetus. Correct needling can effectively relieve symptoms such as headaches and cervical spondylosis. It should be noted that certain groups of people should avoid acupuncture or undergo it under professional guidance: leukemia patients should avoid needle insertion. Individuals with weak constitution require gentle stimulation and a supine position. Those who are overly fatigued, hungry, or mentally stressed should receive treatment after recovery. Individuals with a tendency for spontaneous bleeding or persistent bleeding after injury should avoid needle insertion to prevent bleeding risks. Areas of the skin with infections, ulcers, or scars need to be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Treatment should be ceased if there is abnormal sensation during needling or if a hard object is encountered. For children with an open fontanelle, needling is not suitable on the head and neck, and a fast non-retention needling method should be used. Careful operation is required for the eye area, chest and back, kidney area, neck, and certain special disease areas to prevent harm to vital organs. Individuals with coagulation disorders, such as hemophilia patients, should avoid acupuncture due to the risk of bleeding. Diabetic patients should avoid acupuncture due to wound healing issues. Pregnant women and those with a history of habitual miscarriages should avoid needling specific acupoints to ensure safety. The benefits of acupuncture mainly include: – Clearing the meridians: helping eliminate blockages in the meridians, promoting the circulation of qi and blood, and relieving symptoms such as pain and numbness. – Harmonizing Yin and Yang: adjusting the balance of Yin and Yang in the body through specific methods to achieve therapeutic goals. – Strengthening the body and expelling evil: enhancing the body’s resistance, expelling pathogenic factors, and promoting health recovery. In conclusion, acupuncture therapy has many benefits, but individual differences must be considered before application, especially for children, pregnant women, and individuals with specific health conditions, it is advisable to consult professional opinions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.