Abstract
Abstract
Background:
The Japanese pediatric acupuncture style Shōnishin (Japanese shōni=little child, shin=needle/needling) has been practiced successfully in Japan since the eighteenth century. Historical facts indicate that Shōnishin did not become established as a nonpuncturing treatment method until the beginning of the twentieth century. Based upon nearly 30 years of experience in working with children, the current author and his wife, Karin Kalbantner-Wernicke, a pediatric physiotherapist, have developed a diagnostic method that takes into account the energetic development status of a child as well as the aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine /Traditional Japanese Medicine regarding developmental physiology and psychology. The objective is to augment and preserve the child's health by influencing the energetic level. Hence, the method utilizes the model of energetic development beginning with the Three Families (infant age) to the Six Keiraku (toddlers/preschoolers) to the Five Phases (from school age onward).
Cases:
Case 1: A 16-year-old boy was treated for a fever of 41°C with antibiotics. Subsequently, he developed behavioral problems, sleep disturbance, and eczema. He was markedly attached to his mother and refused to let her out of his sight. He also had osteopathic problems that had been treated. He was given Shōnishin therapy to clear his lesions and calm his behavior and sleep problems. Case 2: An 8-year old girl appeared to have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, which was originally treated with ritalin. She was noted to have cervical displacement of segment C1/C2 from birth. She was treated with a combination of CranioSacral therapy, chiropractic, and Shōnishin to calm her overactivity and obviate the need for pharmocologic therapy.
Results:
Both patients' conditions improved. The boy's rash and sleep problems resolved, and his temper tantrums became more age-appropriate. The girl's behavioral resolution was incomplete but acceptable.
Conclusions:
Shōnishin affects the meridian system as well as the autonomic nervous system, resulting in a smooth and effective treatment of energetic and autonomic disorders that are known for causing health issues or diseases. The method is suitable for children of any age, from newborn babies and toddlers up to schoolchildren, both for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. Given that Shōnishin has no side-effects and is absolutely painless, it seems to be a treatment tailored to the needs, complaints, and illnesses of babies and children. Furthermore, Shōnishin is an excellent treatment method for adults especially for those who react sensitively to needles or even have needle phobia.
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