When your child isn’t feeling their best, it affects the whole family. Whether they struggle with tummy troubles, sleep issues, allergies, or focus challenges, finding solutions that actually work (and are safe) can feel overwhelming.
Pediatric acupuncture may not be the first remedy that comes to mind, but it could be the solution your family needs.
Acupuncture isn’t just for adults. It’s a gentle, effective, and natural way to support kids’ health, from infancy through the teen years. Best of all, treatments are designed with children in mind, meaning they’re relaxing, kid-friendly, and often don’t have to involve needles at all.
Why Choose Acupuncture for Kids?
Acupuncture is a safe and effective natural therapy to add to your family’s well-being toolkit.
Kids’ bodies are incredibly responsive to acupuncture. Because their energy, or Qi, moves quickly and isn’t bogged down by years of stress and stagnation, they often need fewer treatments than adults to see improvements.
“Children will have an effect as soon as they receive treatment,” explains Dr. Ko. “Children don’t have a big disease, their Qi and Blood are new, and they have a lot of physical problems which means more superficial, so it works right away. After treatment, the effect appears quickly and the treatment becomes faster.”
Acupuncture works by balancing the nervous system, strengthening immunity, and supporting the body’s natural healing abilities—all without the need for medications or invasive procedures.
And don’t worry, pediatric acupuncture is gentle and non-intimidating. If your child isn’t ready for traditional acupuncture with needles, we can use needle-free treatments like acupressure, tuina massage, or ear seeds instead. These treatments are incredibly gentle and enjoyable for little ones.
Common Pediatric Conditions Acupuncture Can Help With
So, when should you turn to pediatric acupuncture for help?
Acupuncture is a versatile therapy that supports a wide range of health concerns. Here are some of the most common issues we treat in children:
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Digestive Issues
Digestive concerns like colic, constipation, bloating, acid reflux, and food sensitivities are common in children. Their digestive systems are still developing, which makes them more sensitive to certain foods, stress, or environments. Acupuncture can ease GI upset by:
- Stimulating digestion for smoother bowel movements
- Reducing bloating and stomach discomfort
- Strengthening gut health for fewer food reactions
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Immune System Support
Does your child seem to catch every cold that goes around? Frequent colds, sniffles, ear infections, allergies, and respiratory issues are signs that a child’s immune system is still maturing. Acupuncture helps them build a stronger defense system by:
- Boosting the immune system for stronger defense against infections
- Reducing the frequency and severity of colds, flu, and allergies
- Soothing inflammation to help with asthma and respiratory issues
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Sleep Troubles
Sleep disturbances—such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, nightmares, or restless sleep—are common in children. They most commonly show up during developmental leaps or times of emotional stress. If these issues are preventing your family from getting the rest you need, consider pediatric acupuncture for sleep to:
- Calm the nervous system for better sleep quality
- Reduce anxiety and bedtime resistance
- Promote deeper, more restful sleep
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Anxiety & Emotional Balance
Children experience stress just like adults but don’t always know how to express it. That’s why anxiety, mood swings, and emotional outbursts are common, especially in children with sensitive nervous systems. Acupuncture helps kids with anxiety feel more grounded by:
- Lowering cortisol (the stress hormone)
- Supporting emotional regulation and self-soothing
- Improving mood and focus
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ADHD & Focus Issues
Attention and hyperactivity challenges are becoming more common in children, often due to a combination of genetics, diet, lifestyle, and overstimulation from our modern environments. Acupuncture supports kids with ADHD by:
- Helping the brain regulate energy levels
- Improving focus and reducing impulsivity
- Supporting better emotional and brain balance
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Skin Conditions
Does your child struggle with irritating eczema, rashes, or acne? These conditions are usually due to excess heat, dampness, or immune or detox imbalances that try to “escape” the body through the skin. Acupuncture clears these issues up by:
- Reducing inflammation that causes flare-ups
- Balancing the immune system to prevent reactions
- Supporting digestion and gut health, which plays a key role in skin health
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Sports Injury Recovery
Active kids and young athletes are no strangers to bumps, bruises, sprains, and strains. Whether it’s a soccer collision, a gymnastics strain, repetitive stress from dance or swimming, sports injuries can slow kids down and keep them from doing what they love. Acupuncture helps them heal from sports injuries by:
- Reducing pain naturally by stimulating the release of endorphins
- Improving blood circulation to speed up healing and tissue repair
- Decreasing inflammation and swelling around the injured area
- Restoring flexibility and preventing re-injury
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Growing Pains
Many children experience aches and pains in their legs at night, commonly known as growing pains. These discomforts are often linked to rapid growth, muscle fatigue, or imbalances in the body’s energy flow. In TCM, growing pains are associated with Kidney and Liver imbalances, as these organs play a key role in growth, bone development, and circulation. Dr. Ko recommends: “When you have growing pains, it’s good to take acupuncture and medicine together, such as acupuncture treatment and medicine such as 成長湯 (Sungjangtang).”
Acupuncture helps ease growing pains by:
- Improving blood circulation to nourish muscles and bones
- Reducing inflammation and pain sensitivity
- Supporting Kidney Essence, which is responsible for healthy growth and development
- Relaxing tense muscles to promote better sleep
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Seizures and Epilepsy
Seizures and epilepsy can be a frightening experience for both children and parents. While conventional treatments focus on medication to control seizures, many families seek additional support like acupuncture to help reduce the frequency of seizures and improve daily life.
In TCM, seizures are often linked to Liver Wind, an internal imbalance that causes sudden, uncontrolled movements and nervous system disturbances. When Qi and blood do not flow smoothly, or if excessive heat agitates the body, it can trigger neurological symptoms like seizures. Acupuncture supports children with seizures and epilepsy by:
- Calming excess Liver Wind to reduce seizure frequency
- Strengthening Kidney and Spleen Qi, which help regulate the nervous system
- Supporting brain function and cognitive health
- Easing stress and improving sleep, both of which can help manage seizure triggers
How Pediatric Acupuncture at 120 Acupuncture Clinic Works
If you’re new to acupuncture, you might be wondering how your child will react to treatment. The good news is that pediatric acupuncture is designed to be quick, comfortable, and relaxing. Here’s what to expect:
- Short, kid-friendly sessions
As Dr. Ko explains, “The biggest difference is that adult treatment requires a longer needle retention time. For children’s treatments, we insert the needle in and take it out quickly because they are young and quick to respond.” A full pediatric treatment typically lasts just 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your child’s age and comfort level. - Painless acupuncture or needle-free treatment methods
Many kids start with acupressure, laser acupuncture, or tuina massage before trying traditional acupuncture. - A relaxing, positive experience
Most children feel calm, happy, and relaxed after treatment and look forward to coming for their sessions each week.
A Healthier Kid Starts Here
Ready to try a safe, natural, and effective therapy to help your child thrive? Our team at 120 Acupuncture Clinic is here to help them find their natural balance through time-tested therapies like acupuncture, tui na, and more.
Whether your child struggles with digestion, sleep, immunity, or emotional balance, our holistic care options can help them thrive without unnecessary medications or side effects.
Ready to learn more? Book your consultation with 120 Acupuncture Clinic in Studio City, Los Angeles or call us at 1-818-980-7979 to help your child feel their best.
