Our north Portland clinic now offers another type of natural medicine for children—Shonishin: Japanese Pediatric Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs for Kids!
What is Shonishin and Japanese Acupuncture?
This is a system used for children that originated several hundred years ago in an area of southwest Japan (Kansai). The system is applicable to infants and children, from one month to ten years of age using tools that tap, brush or press on acupuncture points and meridians without penetrating the skin. Occasionally for older kids, extremely fine acupuncture needles may be used to apply quick stimulation and immediately withdrawn. The treatments are designed to be comfortable and painless. Most children learn to love their shonishin treatments and look forward to being treated again.
What kinds of herbs are used?
Depending on the condition and symptoms of the child, he or she may get herbs in the form of liquid, granules or pills. The contents are from companies that test each herb in the formula for impurities or heavy metals, using only the finest quality product on the market and deemed safe for children.
How will a treatment plan be formulated?
Information is collected about the child’s past medical history, emotional make-up and how your child manifests stress. Next, an assessment based on traditional facial diagnosis, palpation of the body along meridians and the abdomen, and visual observation of the child’s tongue all determine what kind of treatment your child will receive.
How long does the treatment take and when can I see some results?
First appointments are between 30 minutes and 1 hour, follow-up treatments are between 15 and 30 minutes. Due to the quick nature of children’s immune systems, you should see some results within 24 hours, usually sooner if the condition is acute. If the condition is chronic and more complex, it may be a few months of consistent treatment before there is a huge change.
What can this medicine treat?
Some common conditions treated with Shonishin are: fever, asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, colic, constipation, teething, insomnia, hyperactivity, tantrums,urinary tract infections, bedwetting, nosebleeds, hives, urticaria, ear infections, sinusitis, rhinitis, sore throat, influenza, eczema. The most common time to bring your child in is during a flare up of a condition but shonishin also works well to prevent recurrent infections.