Treatment with stitch
Tim's mum had tried everything. From the family doctor to the ophthalmologist, neurologist, orthopaedist, endocrinologist and psychologist. Tim was put through the whole diagnostic mill - MRI, CT, numerous blood tests and much more. According to the doctors and findings, Tim is healthy. And yet the 11-year-old has been suffering from severe headache attacks for a year. But nobody knows why. When he has an attack, Tim has to go to bed. He then needs strong painkillers. The paediatrician finally recommended trying acupuncture. Since Tim has been receiving acupuncture, the attacks have become fewer and less severe. Acupuncture is a form of therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In the philosophical concept, a type of body energy flows through twelve channels that represent certain bodily functions. These energy channels can be influenced with needles. In this way, energetic disturbances are balanced and bodily functions are regulated. Around 365 classic acupuncture points are known.
Acupuncture without needles
There are various methods of therapy: needle acupuncture with steel, silver or gold needles, laser acupuncture and point stimulation, in which laser light or electric waves replace the needles. Shonishin is a Japanese form of acupressure that uses stroking, pressure, vibration and tapping techniques. Variants without needles are often used to treat children. Barbara Grange, who runs a practice for TCM acupuncture and naturopathy in Winterthur, treats children and adolescents with Halflaser - a special acupuncture laser: «This method is painless and absolutely equivalent to treatment with needles.» In her opinion, children and adolescents should definitely be treated according to their age. In addition to acupuncture, other natural healing methods such as homeopathy, Bach flowers or herbs are often used. Barbara Grange also recommends such alternatives if children refuse treatment with needles.
A preliminary discussion to explain and build trust
For Dr Johannes Fleckenstein, lecturer in traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture at the University of Bern, acupuncture needles can also be used on children, especially from the age of primary school. «Special thin acupuncture needles with guide tubes reduce the pain stimulus when they are inserted,» he says. «However, a discussion is needed beforehand to explain the procedure so that the child understands what is happening and gains confidence.» An acupuncture laser is very often used in the treatment of infants and small children. Studies suggest that needle and laser stimulation is superior to mere touch as in acupressure - especially in pain therapy. «Clinical reports are very convincing in terms of effectiveness,» says Dr Fleckenstein.
Hardly any side effects
When asked about the indications, the doctor and TCM specialist emphasises that pain treatments, for example for headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, allergies or neurodermatitis, are in the foreground. Studies have also shown that it is effective in treating menstrual problems in adolescent girls. Naturopath Barbara Grange treats many children with school difficulties, concentration problems or motivation problems in her practice. She emphasises that Western medical treatment and acupuncture complement each other well.
Alleviate symptoms with acupuncture
Johannes Fleckenstein confirms this experience. Young cancer patients are also treated in his department. The aim there is to reduce the accompanying symptoms of chemotherapy or radiotherapy - i.e. nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and listlessness. «Many patients can benefit from this.» Needle acupuncture is considered a procedure with few side effects. According to Johannes Fleckenstein, well-trained acupuncturists report hardly any incidents: «The most common perception is that the puncture is painful.» Injuries to blood vessels and nerves are very rare (less than 1 case per 200,000 needle pricks). There can be bruising and sometimes acupuncture has an effect on the circulation. Barbara Grange also confirms this: «Sometimes a child gets a little tired from acupuncture, but this passes after about two hours. "However, the laser method is very well tolerated and well accepted by children.» With the Shonishin method, bruising is more common and the pressure is occasionally painful. Both specialists advise against acupuncture in emergency situations. Even if a child resists the treatment and is reluctant to come, this is not the right method.
Many children and young people today suffer from the rapid changes in our society. «This overload manifests itself as headaches, food intolerances or allergies,» says Johannes Fleckenstein. Acupuncture in particular can help to alleviate these symptoms. However, the therapeutic setting of acupuncture also creates a space for retreat and thus enables a personalised biopsychosocial approach. «Before parents allow their children to resort to medication, this gentle, drug-free form of medicine is a first step towards restoring balance,» says Johannes Fleckenstein. Barbara Grange also believes that acupuncture is a valuable method of treating children, as their vital energy is still less blocked and therefore easy to regulate. She emphasises: «In contrast to drug therapy, this method has no side effects that could put a strain on the child's organism.»
When can acupuncture help?
- Bedwetting
- Recurrent colds
- Hay fever and bronchial asthma
- Neurodermatitis and psoriasis
- Tiredness and sleep disorders
- Nervousness or concentration problems
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears, «noise of the soul»)
- Headache/migraine
- Menstrual disorders
- Stomach and intestinal disorders
How do I find a good therapist?
Doctors are characterised by the ASA certificate of competence(www.akupunktur-tcm.ch). The professional organisation SBO-TCM is the umbrella organisation for non-medical therapists(www.sbo-tcm.ch). There is also the Association of Recognised Naturopaths(www.svanah.ch) and the ErfahrungsMedizinische Register EMR(www.emr.ch). They all offer a search for therapists on their websites. If in doubt, contact your family doctor or paediatrician for advice.
Who bears the costs?
Acupuncture is a primary care benefit if it is performed by a certified doctor (ASA). If it is performed by TCM therapists or naturopaths, the supplementary insurance for complementary medicine pays up to 80 per cent, depending on the insurance company, provided you have taken out such insurance.
