Pediatrics

ADHD is a brain condition that makes concentrating difficult and behavior hard to control.  Along with the higher numbers of ADHD-diagnosed children in the U.S., most are given stimulant medications, such as Ritalin or Adderall (“speed”), to treat or curb ADHD symptoms; the use of Ritalin for children suffering from ADHD is because of its side effects and addictiveness, becoming less and less popular among many health-conscious parents.

These parents then often look for alternative treatments to solve their children’s behavioral problems.

“Lucas had serious difficulty as soon as we were able to diagnosis him. Dr. Ragsdale guided us through the process and was very knowledgeable. His treatments have greatly reduced his symptoms, improved his focus, and allowed other techniques to work even better.

– J & T. Hammerstein

At 1000 Folded Cranes, we take a multi-pronged approach to treatment by including dietary recommendations, behavioral and sleep habits, and reducing lifestyle stressors.  We can also incorporate herbs for ADD and ADHD.  Our treatment protocol is an excellent addition to any existing treatment plan as it helps the body restore balance, treating the root of the disorder, while also diminishing the symptoms of ADHD. It improves focus and attention, manages moods, lowers hyperactivity, fidgeting and enhances concentration.

ADHD is a brain condition that makes concentrating difficult and behavior hard to control.  Along with the higher numbers of ADHD-diagnosed children in the U.S., most are given stimulant medications, such as Ritalin or Adderall (“speed”), to treat or curb ADHD symptoms. The use of Ritalin for children suffering from ADHD is becoming less and less popular among many health-conscious parents because of its side effects and addictiveness. Parents are looking for alternative, drug-free treatments to solve their children’s behavioral problems.

Autism/ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

At 1000 Folded Cranes Acupuncture we have the experience treating hundreds of children with autism, developing specific treatment programs, reducing fears, and gaining the trust of even the most nervous young patients.  Research is confirming what we have known for years, that Acupuncture is an effective therapy for children with ASD.

New research shows that between 6 and 12 weeks of treatment, children have shown improvements in:

• Social initiation
  Engaging in conversation, curious, desire for group play, etc.

• Motor skills
  You are demonstrating improved hand-eye coordination, goal-oriented activities, and balance.

• Attention span
  Having increased focus and engagement, improved recollection, and desire to learn

• Receptive language
  Improved understanding of sentence structure, word use, initial interpretation, and comprehension

• Coordination
  Demonstrated ability to correct posture, adjust clothing or objects, improved emotional coping, and reduced frustration from repetitive exercises

Our treatment techniques for stimulating acupuncture points are safe and always tailored to meet the unique characteristics and personality of the child to ensure balance and a harmonious flow of energy. Although acupuncture does not cure autism, treatments improve the quality of life for children and their families.

The Unique Physiology of Children

Chinese medicine wisely recognizes that children have unique physiological characteristics and do not consider them miniature adults.  As a model for treatment, Dr. Ragsdale employs five treatment modalities when treating children with acupuncture:

Shonishin: (pronounced show-nee-shin)

Originating in Japan, Shonishin is considered an essential and recurring massage treatment for children. Painless and gentle, this ‘acupuncture’ technique uses non-inserting massage tools designed specifically for children to stimulate the meridians and acupuncture points. The tools never penetrate the skin and are designed to tap, rub, and brush the skin to strengthen the child’s developing meridians and organ systems.  Treatment can be performed in 10–20 minutes, depending on the child's age and the illness's severity.

Tui-na:

Traditional Chinese infant massage, like shonishin, has profound effects on childhood illnesses. It is a favored modality of Dr. Ragsdale’s because time-tested techniques are easily taught to parents, thus empowering the most significant healers in a child’s life and creating strong emotional bonds between child and parent through the medium of touch. It is the only hands-on system developed specifically for the total healthcare of infants from birth to six years.

Dietary Advice: 

Chinese medicine teaches that children come into the world with immature digestive systems and cannot break down their food thoroughly. This leads to what Chinese medicine calls food accumulation—the root cause of many digestive problems in infants and young children. A healthy digestive system is a pivot upon which a healthy child and their developing immune system depend.

Herbs: 

Both Chinese and Western herbs are used to significant effect.  For example, Dr. Ragsdale has always calmed his feverish children with chamomile, lemon balm, catnip, peppermint, and elderberry infusion. It reduces the fever quickly, calms a fussy child, and tastes delicious.  Other herbs and combinations are available with excellent results.  Discuss how herbs can supplement your treatment during your first consultation.

Acupuncture: 

Using acupuncture needles is always a last option, but there are situations when it’s essential. Tuina or shonishin are not recommended when treating skin rashes or compromised skin conditions. When the child is overly tired, restless, or so hyperactive that he/she cannot sit still through treatment, it is best to use needles. Dr. Ragsdale never uses more than two or three points per session, and the points are not retained for children under 10. For high fevers, bleeding tends to be the best modality; moxa therapy is highly recommended for cold situations.

Schedule a free, 15-minute consultation regarding your child. Please contact us today.