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Treating children’s mental health is something I am particularly passionate about having had firsthand experience. 1 in 6 young people in England (aged 5 to 16) experienced a mental health problem in 2020, increasing from 1 in 9 in 2017 (NHS Digital, 2020).

Have you ever considered acupuncture treatment for children? Perhaps the idea of using needles on your precious one is a worry for you. However, acupuncture has been found to be safer than many drugs and other procedures used in the treatment of children (Jindal, et al 2008). 

As a mother of a 5 year old with a needle phobia, I can assure you that a) the needles are painless and gentle and  b) needles aren’t always necessary. We can use alternatives such as tapping and stroking of acupuncture points with special devices developed for the treatment of children.

The following case study refers to 8-year-old Kiera, treated by acupuncturist Sahar Hooti BSc (Hons) for anxiety. Kiera presented to her GP with debilitating digestive issues, which after several clinical appointments and investigations left her GP and paediatrician confused. She was diagnosed with IBS – although as a child she is considered too young for this formal diagnosis – and advised that she would grow out of it.

Kiera’s mum Louise was desperate to help her daughter as the condition was affecting school attendance and many areas of her life. Louise’s sister suggested she try acupuncture. Kiera’s paediatrician was also an advocate of acupuncture.

Louise says of their acupuncturist: “Sahar seemed able to identify, unpick and ultimately, treat, the emotional aspects of Keira’s condition. So, as well as helping to ‘clear’ her anxiety issues, we started to see real improvements in her physical symptoms, too.” 

Of her treatment Kiera says, “For me, it has definitely changed my life.” 

You can read the full case study here: Anxiety case study.

As the above case study shows, anxiety and many other mental health issues can have a physical component too. This is something that acupuncture is great at identifying and treating. Individual symptoms are part of a bigger picture, involving many aspects of health.

As a mother I understand how to engage and listen to a child; how it can be scary for them; how to speak to them with empathy, respect and with language they can understand. I treat my children’s sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, night terrors), tummy aches linked to constipation and loose stools and teething pains to name but a few. I have treated children in my clinic for digestive issues, anxiety and pain. 

Can you think of anything acupuncture could help your children with? Do you have any questions about treatment?

For a free no obligations phone consultation please email or call me to book a time. You can find more information about paediatric acupuncture here.

1 in four of us will experience a mental health issue each year. There are many ways to improve our mental health, including getting professional help, talking about it, and taking time for self-care. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Talk About It – It could be to your friend, a family member, your GP or a professional counsellor. Talking is the first step, helping you to acknowledge what’s going on.
• Eat Well – Eating good food gives us the brain power we need to deal with whatever is going on. Eat too little and you’ll be physical and mentally exhausted. Eat the wrong foods (too much sugar, caffeine, alcohol) and you’ll have even more ups and downs.
• Sleep – Lack of sleep makes us irritable, emotional and can lead to depression. Of course, sleep issues often accompany mental health issues. But if you’re able to, try to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. If not, try meditation such as yoga nidra (You Tube has videos).
• Exercise – Regular exercise improves mood, helps us to sleep and wards off chronic illness. A brilliant tool for stress management, just choose activities which you enjoy and aim for at least 3 sessions a week. Yoga, walking and biking are good options.
• Acupuncture – Regular treatments can be a great way to address mental health and the other symptoms that arise, such as sleep problems and tension headaches. A course of treatment is recommended initially, moving to regular maintenance treatments to keep on top of life’s stresses and strains. Concessions available – please enquire.

Need advice? Want to book a treatment?
Contact Sunny on 07582 684 756 or hello@sunnyjaspal.com