Can You Continue Scalp Acupuncture for Delayed Development After a Cold?

Is it safe to perform scalp acupuncture on a child with a cold?

Hello Dr.
Ding: My younger brother has undergone scalp acupuncture for developmental delay for the fourth time recently.
However, after the fourth session, he developed a fever early the next morning.
The emergency department diagnosed him with pharyngitis and acute bronchiolitis (with phlegm in the lungs) as the cause of the fever.
His symptoms have improved, but he still has some lingering issues.
I would like to ask if, despite the improvement, it is advisable to continue with the scalp acupuncture for developmental delay, considering he still has slight inflammation in his throat and some phlegm in his lungs?

Zhuang Tai Tai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/04/11

Dr. Ding Hanxiang reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Mrs.
Chuang,
Hello, your brother can continue with acupuncture without any issues.
Wishing you peace and health.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Ding Han-Hsiang
Attending Physician, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2013/04/11

More Info

When considering whether to continue scalp acupuncture for delayed development in a child who has recently experienced an illness, such as pharyngitis and acute bronchiolitis, it is essential to take a comprehensive approach. Scalp acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, is often used to address developmental delays and neurological conditions. However, the child's current health status must be carefully evaluated before proceeding with further treatments.

1. Current Health Status: Since your brother has recently experienced a fever due to throat inflammation and bronchitis, it is crucial to ensure that he is fully recovered before continuing any acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture can stimulate the immune system and promote healing, but it is generally advisable to avoid any invasive procedures when a child is still exhibiting symptoms of illness, such as inflammation or respiratory issues. Continuing acupuncture while the child is still symptomatic could potentially exacerbate his condition or lead to further complications.

2. Consulting Healthcare Providers: Before making a decision, it is essential to consult with the healthcare providers involved in your brother's care. This includes both the pediatrician and the acupuncturist. The pediatrician can assess the child's current health status, including any lingering symptoms and overall recovery, while the acupuncturist can provide insight into the appropriateness of continuing treatment at this time. They may recommend waiting until the child is symptom-free to ensure that the treatment is both safe and effective.

3. Timing of Acupuncture: If the healthcare providers agree that it is safe to continue with scalp acupuncture, it may be beneficial to wait until the child has fully recovered from his recent illness. This allows the body to regain its strength and immune function, which can enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture. Additionally, once the child is symptom-free, the acupuncturist can better assess his condition and tailor the treatment to address any developmental concerns without the interference of ongoing health issues.

4. Alternative Supportive Measures: In the meantime, while waiting for full recovery, consider other supportive measures that can aid in your brother's development and overall health. This may include gentle physical activities, speech therapy, or occupational therapy, depending on his specific developmental needs. These therapies can be beneficial and may complement the effects of acupuncture once he is ready to resume treatment.

5. Monitoring Progress: After resuming acupuncture, it is essential to monitor your brother's progress closely. Keep track of any changes in his symptoms, both positive and negative, and communicate these observations to the healthcare providers. This information can help guide future treatment decisions and ensure that the approach remains aligned with his health needs.

In summary, while scalp acupuncture can be a valuable tool for addressing developmental delays, it is crucial to prioritize your brother's current health status. Consulting with healthcare providers, waiting for full recovery from his recent illness, and considering alternative supportive measures can help ensure that any further treatments are safe and effective. Always prioritize the child's well-being and recovery in any treatment decisions.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Scalp Acupuncture for Toddler Developmental Delays

Hello Dr. Ding: I have a one-year-old child, and I have noticed that his motor skills are different from other one-year-olds! It seems that his movements are significantly slower. I have consulted a pediatrician who assessed him and confirmed that his motor skills are indeed slow...

Dr. Ding Hanxiang reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear Mrs. Chuang, Hello. Children's development has certain milestones, such as the saying from the older generation: "sitting at seven months, crawling at eight months, and teething at nine months." If a child's development does not meet these standards, it ...

Managing Allergies and Nosebleeds in Children with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hello Dr. Yan: My child is over four years old and often catches colds, especially during significant climate changes and in winter. We previously had blood tests done at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and the allergy index was very high at 99.*%. Recently, my child has also bee...

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Nosebleeds are not strongly related to allergic constitution, but both can be managed with traditional Chinese medicine. When experiencing a cold, it is important to treat the cold first before beginning any tonifying therapies, as traditional Chinese medicine states: "Treat...

Acupuncture Effectiveness: Targeting Points and Eating Angelica During Colds

Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask: 1. Is it necessary to needle the acupuncture points for acupuncture to be effective? 2. Can I consume Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai) when I have a cold? Thank you!

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. Acupuncture does not necessarily have to target specific acupoints to be effective. As the ancients said, "leaving the point but not the meridian," as long as needles are inserted along the pathway of the meridian, it can adjust the flow of Qi, hence the saying "...

Managing Meridian Pain After Flu: Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions

Hello, doctor... I have a question. My mother has not recovered since she contracted the flu last November. Now, whenever she sits and tries to stand up, she feels a pulling sensation and pain along the left side of her back. She has seen Western doctors who only offered injectio...

Dr. Ding Hanxiang reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello! Your mother's influenza appears to be a type of external pathogenic wind-cold syndrome according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Since the wind-cold pathogen has not been eliminated from the body and cold tends to constrict, she may experience a tightness in th...