NURTURING CHILDREN TO BECOME THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES!

As the daughter of one of the first acupuncturists, Grant Smith, I have always been an AcuKid myself.  Now, I carry on the practice with my own two children. My 10-year-old daughter is comfortable with needles, so I use short, thin needles to ease her muscle stiffness, headaches, and acne. However, my 13-year-old son is afraid of needles, so I rely on an electronic device to stimulate and calm acupuncture points, as well as tack needles—tiny 0.6mm needles that stick to the skin like a bandage. These have worked wonders, especially for stopping a persistent nosebleed.

I’ve also found cupping, tuina (Traditional Chinese Medicine massage), and acupressure to be incredibly effective for children. Cupping helps get energy flowing, relieving muscle and joint pain caused by stagnant energy and tuina and acupressure help by bringing energy to the correct spot to relieve issues.

Pediatric Acupuncture Techniques

There are many options to help move a child's Qi (energy) that will encourage their body to heal. Each technique is gentle and the child's comfort is the Number 1 priority.

Needle-Free Acupuncture

Acupuncture doesn’t always require needles! For those who feel anxious about them, there are effective needle-free alternatives.

One of my favorite options is a handheld device that uses micro-currents to stimulate or calm acupuncture points. Simply applying pressure to these points can also achieve therapeutic benefits.

Child-Friendly Needles

When needles are the most suitable option, I always choose the smallest possible size to minimize discomfort. These needles range from 0.6mm to 7mm in diameter and depending on the age of the child they are typically not left in place. A needle inserted and quickly removed can be just as powerful for a child as a needle left in place for 20 minutes for an adult. Their Qi is stronger!

Tuina (MASSAGE) & Cupping

Helping the body’s Qi to flow smoothly can restore balance and promote healing. Qi stagnation is a major contributor to pain, as restricted energy flow often leads to discomfort. Techniques like tuina (massage) or cupping are highly effective in relieving issues such as growing pains by improving the circulation of qi.

Before treating your child, I like to learn more about them so I can be prepared to make or appointment as easy and comfortable as possible. This phone call is required for children 14 and under. Please book below.

Training and Certification

My pediatric specific training was with Rebecca Avern, the World’s Leading Pediatric Teacher and Book Author. With her, I learned the skills, knowledge, and confidence to effectively treat children of all ages. From mastering pediatric-specific pathologies to navigating child dynamics, I gained everything I needed  to know to offer you compassionate, clinically sound care.

Core Competencies

I’ve developed the skills to confidently diagnose and treat a wide range of childhood conditions using both traditional and non-needle techniques designed specifically for kids. I know how to build strong therapeutic relationships with children and support their families through every stage of care. I have a deep understanding of pediatric physiology and family dynamics.

Practical Applications & Specialized Skills

I confidently treat a wide range of pediatric health concerns, including sleep and digestive issues, respiratory and skin conditions, and emotional or behavioral challenges like ADD, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. I manage both acute and chronic conditions with care and provide specialized support for children on the Autism Spectrum. I continue to expand my clinical skills to offer compassionate, comprehensive care for every child I work with.