Dr. Jin’s three point needled treatment emphasizes the use of head points, which might be an interesting point to make as “the findings of modern medicine which believes that the temporal lobe is closely related to the mental task of studying”. “This treatment approach leads to harmonization and disinhibition of the blood vessels where essence spirit can dwell and thus achieves its good results.” As an acupuncturist who works with children, I have used this technique in practice and found it effective.

In spite of its effectiveness, I have found that the compliance of this treatment hasn’t been brilliant. Simon also mentioned this in his article: “However, there are two points about Dr. Jiu’s three needles treatment that deserve more thought as to their clinical applicability. One is the frequency of treatments; the other is the heavy use of head points. Both of these factors, I believe, are of the essence for achieving treatment success with this protocol. It is both my opinion and experience that an abbreviated version of the above protocol needled once or even twice weekly would not be nearly as effective as the protocol presented above. This means, then, that the parent has to bring the child to the acupuncture clinic five times per week for three months and has, if regular Western acupuncture rates are charged, to spend a lot of money. Unfortunately, it is also my opinion and experience that few Western parents are willing to do so. Hence, solutions to the above problems need to be found.”

I totally agree with Simon’s concern. In practice I have used its modified protocol, which is to use acupressure, moxibustion or dermal needle instead. And I have seen some benefits, although not as equally good as the needling protocol, but at least both parents and children are willing to give it a try.

Chinese pediatric massage is a subset of Chinese Tui Na. It is a time-tested technique. It influences a child’s energy flow by using gentle massage to activate the various points instead of needles. A system of specific points and locations should be used. Although there are some similarities, points system of children is different from that of adults in large.

Chinese paediatric massage is a safe and extremely effective therapy for a wide range of common childhood ailments. It helps to boost energy, strengthen the immune system, promote body development, and build up a strong constitution. Therefore, it is also an excellent way to prevent other diseases.

Each session lasts about 30 minutes, and children in general respond well. Given time and budget permitted, the more frequent a child has treatments, the quicker result we will see. In most cases, the treatment should be given once a day or every other day. But it is not always possible for some families. Since some paediatric massage techniques are simple, parents are encouraged to learn and use at home.

I will introduce some basic manipulations here and explain locations of some points used just in case.

Clear Lung (Xie Fei Jin)

Lung (Fei Jin), a point seen in children, refers to the palmar surface of the distal phalanx of the ring finger. By clearing Lung, we use our thumb to massage ring finger straightly towards the proximal phalanx, 100 times.

Tonify Spleen (Bu Pi Tu)

Spleen, also a point seen in children, refers to the palmar surface of the distal phalanx of the thumb. By tonifying, we mean press-kneading clockwise, 100 times.

Press-knead Nei Ba Gua (Yun Nei Ba Gua)

Nei Ba Gua refers to the area in the palm around Nei Lao Gong (extra point, where the tip of middle finger is when a fist is held). 1 minute each hand.

Press Tian Tu (CV22), Tan Zhong (Shan Zhong, CV17), and He Gu (LI4). 1-2 minutes each.

Press Fei Shu (BL13) 1-2 minutes; and parting-push the scapulae 30 times.

Above-mentioned are basic manipulations, which will be modified when it comes to individual child as patterns can be different.

I hope this piece of information will be interesting to you. Up to you now, enquiries and discussions are welcome.

Bai Hui (DU 20, GV 20)

Bai Hui is the meeting point on the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) with the six yang channels. Bai Hui is good at reinforcing and lifting yang, as it is the point where the body’s Yang energy naturally converges. Using it in enuresis can help strengthen the bladder and control urination.

In our experience, strong sensation is recommended. After insertion the needle, manipulate it towards four directions. Although strong sensation is desirable, we still need take child’s response into consideration. We may need to keep minimal stimulation or even massage if child can no stand the strong sensation.

San Yin Jiao (SP 6)

San Yin Jiao is the meeting point on the Spleen Channel with the Liver and Kidney Channels. It tonifies three Foot-yin, therefore regulates water flow and strengthen the bladder. We recommend needling with tip upwards, so the sensation goes towards the perineum. Moxa can be applied too.

Ye Niao Dian (Bedwetting Hand point)

Ye Niao Dian, also called Shen Xue, is not a regular acu-point, it belongs to Hand Acupuncture, a special branch of acupuncture.

It locates on the palmar surface of little finger, in the middle of the transverse crease of the distal interphalangeal joint. Needle perpendicularly, 0.2-0.5cun. If child can not bear the stimulation, we may use quick needling without retaining or even only use moxibustion.

Yi Niao Xue (Enuresis point)

Yi Niao Yue is an extra acupuncture point. As its name suggested, it is specific for nocturnal enuresis.

It locates on the sole of the foot, in the middle of the fifth metatarso-phalangeal crease. Needle perpendicularly, 0.3-0.5cun. If child can not stand the stimulation, we can use dermal needle instead.