Acupuncture...for kids?

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September 11, 2008

By Judy Wakefield

<Caption>Courtesy photo

Four-month-old Jackson Henson has Shonishin done by his dad, Jason Henson, a practitioner licensed in the acupuncture treatment at First Health of Andover.

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Are chronic ear infections troubling your toddler? Or is sleep just a dream these days for your colicky newborn?

An Andover health clinic claims a special acupuncture for kids could be the cure.

It's called "Shonishin" (pronounced Shoney shin) and it's a needle-free form of the ancient Japanese medical treatment.

Locally, First Health of Andover is the first health clinic in the Merrimack Valley to offer this needle-free acupuncture for children. On Saturday, Sept. 20, the medical group in Dundee Park will host a free three-hour clinic for parents and kids to check it out.

"We use several different little tools, such as a brush, and brush the baby or gently tap on the acupuncture point," explained therapist Jason Henson of First Health who is trained in Shonishin. "It's all about rubbing specific points along the acupuncture meridians."

But not all those in the health field express the same enthusiasm for Shonishin.

Local pediatrician Robert Nelken of Andover Pediatrics said Shonishin is one of several alternative treatments available for kids.

"I hope parents remember that this is not scientific medicine. Nothing is scientifically proven. There was no placebo or control group," he said.

Supporters say it is proven to help soothe a slew of common kid ailments, such as ear infections, colic, asthma, bed-wetting, hyperactivity and teething.

All tools used in Shonishin are rounded, not sharp, and the tools work to gently massage the child's body with a non-invasive silver tool that does not hurt, said Henson. The Shonishin method brushes with magnets, and also uses light electrical stimulation and cupping. This Japanese method originated several hundred years ago in Southwest Japan and pediatric proponents.

"It's the best of both worlds for kids. It's very popular in Japan and is now available here. I've used it on my 4-month-old son," Henson said.

The treatment typically takes about 20 minutes.

Introducing Shonishin to Andover and beyond is part of First Health's Pediatric Wellness Initiative this back-to-school season. Called "Raising Healthy Kids...Options for Natural Care," the group is working with doctors in Merrimack Valley and southern New Hampshire to promote this treatment.

"Our practitioners work with parents to find natural, safe and effective options for care that fits the child," Henson said. "I believe Shonishin could help numerous kids."