Pediatric Acupuncture:
Safe, Gentle Support for Children’s Health
Caring for a child with ongoing health concerns can be overwhelming. Whether it’s chronic pain, digestive issues, anxiety, or sleep problems, many parents are looking for safe, natural approaches to complement conventional care.
At Point The Way Acupuncture, we offer gentle, non-invasive acupuncture for children and teens, working with families to support their child’s health in a holistic and nurturing way.
What Is Pediatric Acupuncture?
Pediatric acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine adapted for children of all ages—including infants, toddlers, and teens. Treatment may include:
Very gentle needling with fine, child-safe needles
Non-insertive tools (e.g. shonishin or laser therapy)
Tui na massage, acupressure, or moxibustion
Nervous system support using specific points to regulate stress and inflammation
Our approach is always tailored to the child’s age, temperament, and comfort level.
Conditions Where Acupuncture May Help
Recent research and clinical reviews suggest acupuncture may provide supportive care for children experiencing:
Pain Conditions
Headaches and migraines
Abdominal pain
Post-surgical or injury pain
Growing pains
A 2015 review found that pediatric patients reported significant improvement in pain symptoms, with some cases showing complete resolution after a series of treatments.
Nausea and Vomiting
Post-surgical nausea
Chemotherapy-related nausea
Travel or motion sickness
Studies have found reduced vomiting, decreased reliance on medications, and improved alertness in children undergoing acupuncture during medical treatments.
Colic and Infant Digestive Concerns
Excessive crying
Gas and bloating
Irregular bowel movements
Some studies have shown that acupuncture may help reduce crying time in colicky infants and improve gastrointestinal comfort.⁴
Nocturnal Enuresis (Bedwetting)
Acupuncture has been explored as a treatment for children with bedwetting issues, with results showing improved bladder control, fewer wet nights, and better sleep patterns.⁵
Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Cerebral Palsy
Reviews and studies suggest acupuncture may help support motor coordination, communication, and sensory regulation when used alongside conventional therapies.⁶ ⁷
Respiratory & Immune Conditions
Asthma
Allergic rhinitis
Frequent colds or respiratory infections
Acupuncture may play a role in supporting immune function and calming inflammation. Some children have shown improved breathing and reduced anxiety around asthma.⁸
Neonatal and Infant Care
Pain relief during routine procedures
Support for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
Research shows acupuncture can help soothe infants, promote feeding, improve sleep, and reduce reliance on pharmacological therapies in hospital settings.⁹
How Does It Work?
Acupuncture has been shown to influence multiple systems in the body, including:
Nervous system regulation (reducing overactivity and supporting calm)
Release of endorphins and neurotransmitters
Modulation of inflammation and immune response
Regulation of digestion and hormonal balance
Enhancement of self-regulatory mechanisms through purinergic signalling (ATP/adenosine pathways)
These effects are believed to contribute to symptom relief and improved resilience in children.
Gentle, Family-Centred Care
We understand that every child is different. Sessions are relaxed and interactive, with a strong emphasis on comfort, consent, and connection. Parents are always welcome in the treatment space.
Whether your child is experiencing specific symptoms or you’re simply exploring natural support for wellbeing, we offer compassionate guidance every step of the way.
Interested in Pediatric Acupuncture?
If you're curious about how acupuncture could support your child’s health journey, feel free to reach out or book a consultation. We're here to answer your questions and create a care plan that feels right for your family.
Acupuncture is considered a complementary therapy. This information is general and not intended as medical advice. Individual results vary. Please consult your GP or pediatrician before beginning any new treatment for your child.