NEEDLES PROBLEM
Many children are reluctant to try acupuncture because of previous bad experiences with needles. In acupuncture, points on the body are selected and very tiny needles are inserted, then stimulated or heated, in some cases. The idea is to affect the flow of chi within the body and restore harmony to the inner self.
Doctors explain to young patients that the needles in acupuncture are different than those used for other practices, like blood drawing or vaccinations. The child-friendly practitioner will show the child the hair-thin needle and explain that inserting them is practically painless. For those who still aren’t convinced, the skilled practitioner may first recommend acupressure, which stimulates certain body areas with a massage-like pressure that can be practiced at home.
In certain other cases, laser acupuncture may be used if the patient is particularly wary of needles.
OTHER TREATMENTS
Although acupuncture is generally well received and is regulated by official medical boards in most of the United States, other treatments find traditional medical practitioners a bit more cautious. That’s mainly because there have not been enough studies to support the effectiveness of the treatments, particularly in children. Thus, it is wise to discuss with your doctor whether alternative therapies you are interested in may be appropriate for your child’s condition.
These alternative treatments include:
1) Hypnosis - There have been some studies on bedwetting children using hypnosis. The power of suggestion encourages the child to wake up in a dry bed, but to date, there has been little evidence that the practice is effective.