I recently was watching the news about the rise in children being diagnosed with asthma and food allergies. “Asthma is one of the most common chronic disorders that usually occurs in children.” It is estimated about 7.1 million children under 18 years and from that number about 4.1 million suffered from an asthma attack in 2011. This is around a 75% increase in the diagnosis of asthma in children since the 1980’s. Asthma is also one of the leading reasons children stay home from school (about 12 millions days of school per year). Right now, several people can manage their asthma adequately on medications but what if it is not enough? I even recently had a patient where he needs his asthma medication, but now without his insurance, the monthly cost of it is around $500!
That’s kind of wild to me because some of the asthma conditions can be very debilitating. Especially if you’re a parent, you do not want to see your children suffer from this often chronic condition.
However, there is something that is affordable and has very little side effects that can help relieve asthmatic symptoms for children and adults. Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide spectrum of upper respiratory conditions that includes asthma, bronchitis, sinus infections and allergies. Acupuncture is a form of therapy that helps stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Upper respiratory conditions, especially asthma and allergies deal with the “overstimulation” of the nervous system that is linked to inflammation. Acupuncture is an excellent method to help restore balance to the overstimulated nervous system to be able to control asthmatic symptoms and reduce the patient’s reliance on their inhaler with the help of their doctor. It is extremely safe and has the lowest adverse effects on the body compared to medications.
I know what you are thinking…children and acupuncture? My child can’t sit still for 5 minutes, let alone sitting still with acupuncture needles in them!
Acupuncture needles are nothing like the needles that we are use to in the States. There is no medication on the needles, they are hair-fine, made from stainless steel and are dispose of right after use. Children under 8 years old use pediatric needles (even smaller) that are briefly tapped in and removed with little to no pain. When the parents are distracting the kids, they sometimes won’t know that it even happened. When they get to age 9 and older, then children can sit with the needles for about 5-15 minutes without any issues.
Not every child will be jumping to try acupuncture on the first visit, but Chinese Medicine has other effective ways to help with asthma that does not include acupuncture needles. If your child is too anxious to try acupuncture, there are other methods such as tui na (Chinese medical massage), ear seeds, and acupressure that can be done at home which can be very effective.
Does your child suffer from debilitating asthma and allergies? Or do you suffer from allergies every season and want to stop feeling miserable? Call in at 240-702-6413 or email me me for your appointment!
