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Acupuncture is a fantastic treatment, which is gaining more and more popularity in recent days. That is because it works so well against a variety of illnesses and conditions that would otherwise require serious treatment. It turns out this Traditional Chinese Medicine practice provides the perfect remedy for stress without any side effects. 

It should come as no surprise then that experts are now recommending acupuncture for children. The treatment can work for young ones with various conditions: headaches, inflammation and anxiety. But even though you understand the benefits, your child may only see the risks. When you consider the fact that acupuncture features needles, it is easy to know why young ones may not be exactly thrilled by the idea. If you wish to go easy on them, you can follow certain tips, outlined in this article: 

1. Explain the process to them

If your child is old enough to understand, you should explain the process of acupuncture to them. There is no point in bringing them to the acupuncturist without them knowing a thing about acupuncture. They will likely be scared, and you will have a difficult time calming them down. Do your best to explain the process of acupuncture first, and don’t forget to describe how it is going to help them with their problem. The acupuncturist can do this as well, especially if they have experience working with children. 

2. Introduce them to the acupuncturist

A lot of children feel scared by doctors because they associate their visits there with something unpleasant. While acupuncture is a medical treatment, it is not exactly a typical one. You should do your best to introduce your child to the acupuncturist and have them discuss the problems and how the treatment is going to work. Some acupuncturists specialise in work with children, so there will be no problem for them to explain the process in a simple, even interesting, manner to your child so that there is no anxiety. 

3. Address the needle issue

There is hardly any child that feels at ease when it comes to needles. They associate the word with pain and unpleasant medical procedures, such as shots. However, there is a huge difference between the needles used for shots and the needles used in acupuncture. The latter are super thin and bend to the touch. There is hardly any pain that they cause. Make sure to explain this to your child and show them. Literally, show them what a needle looks like by asking the acupuncturist to insert one. 

4. Refer to needling as tapping

There is certain painful connotation to the word ‘needling.’ To ease your child, you should refer to the process as ‘tapping.’ That is one of the universal tips that acupuncturists use when it comes to working with children. Normally, the acupuncturist will do a series of gentle taps before they insert the needle. This process relaxes the child and removes the fear of needles. 

5. Don’t be too pushy, if your child doesn’t want to try it

You can insist too much on this matter. Do your best to explain what acupuncture is all about, but if your child remains apprehensive, don’t be too pushy. Talk with your acupuncturist and discuss if there are any other options available, which will hopefully not cause as much turmoil. 

As you can see, there are a few things you can do to prepare your child for acupuncture, and ensure they get the most of the treatment. 

© The Acupuncturist Ltd