Shonishin; A non-needle technique for kids
Acupuncture is totally safe for kids. Unlike those big needles used for shots and drawing your blood, acupuncture needles (AKA: “kitty whiskers” in my office) are very very thin. I usually rub the area of skin before sliding a “kitty whisker” in, so the kids are mostly feeling the sensation of me rubbing their skin.Nonetheless, if you have never had acupuncture, it may be hard to be convinced, AND even harder for you to tell your kids it’s alright and painless.So what I can offer… there are various non-needle techniques I use, but shonishin is what i feel most comfortable and effective in treating my little patients. But what is shohishin? Shonishin was developed in Japan in the 1700s as a specialized form of treatment for infants and children. Shoni means kid, and shin means needle. But, I would NOT call it a needle, as you can see them in the picture, they re not exactly as sharp and pointy.Shonishin is used in techniques such as stroking, rubbing, tapping, and pressing the skin to give gentle stimulation. These techniques balance and strengthen the constitution and immunity. Shonishin is also very relaxing.I usually use one shonishin tool that I learned to use in Japan, “Daishi-ryu” shonishin. In my office, we refer shonishin as “sweeping”. I often say, “let’s sweep away (head/tummy) ache and make you stronger or feel better”. They get the idea, kids are smart. My teacher in Japan told me that the shonishin treatment has to be relaxing to kids, and they have to feel good.The beauty of shonishin is simple, gentle and effective. No side effects, either! It can treat wide variety of problems, including (But not limited to):- weak constitution- failure to thrive- bet wetting- colic, night terrors, temper tantrums- anxiety- Autism and attention disorder- earache.ear infection- allergies, eczema, and hives- teething/tooth pain- indigestion, GERD, constipation and diarrhea
