Needle-Free Acupuncture For Children/Shonihari

The thought of bringing our children into a doctor's office for a shot is never fun. Likewise, the prospect of a child lying still to allow an acupuncturist to insert multiple needles is highly unlikely. In Japan, however, a very old practice of taking the "puncture" out of acupuncture for children continues to thrive. Techniques have been developed to stimulate the acupuncture points and channels without the insertion of needles.

Shonihari is literally translated as "children's acupuncture," or "acupuncture for children." This form of acupuncture was developed over many hundreds of years through clinical trial and application. Chris Reilly, LAc. was introduced to this style of acupuncture by Mr. Takayuki Koei Kuwahara, L.Ac. Mr. Kuwahara learned shonihari under the Tanioka family in Japan, a family that has practiced the art for generations.

The techniques of shonihari, or shonishin differ from standard acupuncture in that there is no piercing of the skin. This non-insertive acupuncture uses a variety of different metal implements to gently stimulate the meridians and acupuncture points to move qi where it is blocked, and to strengthen the qi where it is weak.

Chris has combined this form of acupuncture with his tui-na (acupressure), traditional Chinese acupuncture, and herbal training in his treatment of children at the Center. Chris has also been able to adapt many of the techniques of shonihari, which are very similar to the techniques of tui na, and of pestle-needle acupuncture, for use in adults.

These combination treatments are proving to be very effective, and our initial feedback from clients has been very positive.

Applications Of Shonihari "Children's Acupuncture" Include:

  • Immune system boosting
  • Sinus congestion/sinusitis
  • Digestive disorders
  • Joint and muscular pain
  • Recovery from injuries already treated appropriately with modern medicine (sprains, strains, fractures, et cetera)
  • Asthma
  • Fatigue

The acupuncture approach with children is often maximized by including a dietary and lifestyle analysis from one of our doctors.

To make an appointment with Christopher Reilly, L.Ac., call the Center at 518-689-2244 or Click Here to Contact Us by Email.

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