Call us on 021 154 1413
Call us on 021 154 1413
28 August 2025
Acupuncture and Children’s Mental Health: A Gentle, Holistic Approach
In today’s world, many children and teenagers face growing challenges with their mental health. Anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulties, and stress-related conditions are increasingly common.
According to the World Health Organisation 1 in 5 children and adolescents, globally, experience a mental health issue. Yet nearly two-thirds receive no treatment or support.
When stress, worry, or emotional strain disrupts a child’s balance, they may experience symptoms such as:
Whilst there are many conventional approaches such as counselling, behavioural therapy, and medication used to treat mental health issues many families are looking for gentle and holistic support for their child’s wellbeing.
Paediatric acupuncture offers a deeply effective way to meet these children where they are — gently, holistically, and without side effects. By regulating the nervous system, calming the mind (Shen), and supporting the child’s innate vitality, acupuncture can relieve anxiety, ease emotional overwhelm, improve sleep, and restore balance. Importantly Paediatric acupuncture can work alongside other therapies.
Research suggests that acupuncture may influence the body’s nervous system, helping to regulate stress hormones and promote the release of endorphins and serotonin – chemicals that improve mood and relaxation.
For children, this can mean:
Treating children is different from treating adults with acupuncture. It requires a specialist approach and a different set of skills. It doesn’t need to involve needles to have a powerful effect.
Treatments are tailored to the needs of children and uses very gentle approaches. Depending on the child’s age, temperament, and comfort, the practitioner may use:
One of the strengths of acupuncture is that it looks at the child in the context of their whole life – their school environment, relationships, diet, and daily routines. This holistic approach means that both the child and their family often benefit from practical strategies to support resilience and calm in everyday life.
Children are naturally resilient, and with the right support, they often respond quickly to acupuncture. For some, a few sessions may be enough to reset sleep, ease anxiety, or improve mood. For others, regular treatments can provide ongoing support alongside other therapies.
Sessions are often short, playful, and designed to help children feel safe and at ease. Parents are present throughout.
As the ancient physician Sun Simiao said:
“When treating children, one must be especially gentle, for they are the most precious of beings.”
If your child is struggling with anxiety, low mood, or sleep problems, paediatric acupuncture may provide a safe, gentle way to support their mental health.
