Acupuncture for Babies, Children and Teenagers
Treating both the Illness and the Child

Rebecca Avern

Illustrated by Sarah Hoyle
Publishers: Singing Dragon
2018 Hardback: 776 pages
RRP: £70
ISBN: 978-1-84819-322-2

(Reviewed by Rainy Hutchinson, EJOM Vol.9 No.3)

Congratulations to Rebecca Avern on her new arrival! At 4lb 13oz Acupuncture for Babies, Children and Teenagers, recently published by Singing Dragon is a rich and comprehensive new resource aimed at supporting existing practitioners in the field of paediatric acupuncture and encouraging more acupuncturists to take up working with children. In both cases it is sure to succeed. This wonderful manual not only draws together in one volume much existing wisdom on the subject but also expands upon it with authority and a wealth of practical insight gained through Avern’s own extensive clinical experience. The early part of the book provides a theoretical context for treatment guides which are laid out in the second half, the main thrust of which addresses the increasingly chronic range of common illnesses which children present with in clinic. As Avern puts it:

‘We are rarely involved in their survival but we can play an important role in helping them to thrive.’

Avern offers a clear, systematic framework for approaching the diagnosis and treatment of children of different ages with reference to how the same condition may have very different manifestations, and therefore require different handling at each developmental phase. She identifies four distinct stages and handy visual icons help location within the text for easy reference.

Of particular interest is new material covering modern Western patterns of disharmony not seen in traditional Chinese texts. The role of family dynamics and causes of disease such as overparenting, over-stimulation and social media are addressed within the context of Chinese medicine as well as manifestations of psycho-emotional conditions including self-harm and eating disorders. Here more than anywhere the book shines. Avern demonstrates a profound understanding and sensitivity in regard to these complex and subtle problems. She also demonstrates the importance of interpersonal skills in building rapport with her patients in order to secure a positive outcome. The focus throughout is on treating the whole child and in doing so it is especially pleasing to see her inclusion of Five Element constitutional approaches which are woven through and integrated within the more familiar TCM style. Numerous useful case studies, highlighted in pink, are included which help to support the discussions and illustrate the breadth of conditions that can be treated.

Ever practical there is a welcome chapter covering acu points commonly used for the treatment of children. Indications, actions and contraindications of five extra points that may be unfamiliar to some practitioners are discussed. Also included is an essential guide covering alternatives to needling which, in any paediatric clinic is a must-have part of your repertoire when facing sensitive or over anxious patients or indeed accompanying parents. Practical advice on nine adjunct therapies that can be easily employed equips the reader with a back-up plan for almost every eventuality. Avern provides a description of tui na and shonishin techniques with helpful illustrations and diagrams to support her explanations that are clear and easy to follow, even for those who may not have used manual therapies before.

The timely arrival of Acupuncture for Babies, Children and Teenagers coincides with a rapidly growing interest in this aspect of Chinese medicine in the West. Suspicions around invasive drug therapies and the attendant potential side effects on their children’s health has led more and more parents to explore acupuncture as a safe and effective alternative in recent years. Avern makes a powerful case for the unique benefits of acupuncture for health promotion in our young people.

‘The absence of illness is, in itself, a wonderful outcome. Yet there are other benefits of treatment that are particularly pertinent to children. Having ill health as a child tends to shape a person’s relationship to illness later in life. An adult who was chronically ill as a child is more likely to feel powerless or fearful in the face of illness. It can mean a sense of confidence in one’s physical body is never attained. Long-term ill health as a child also has a strong influence on emotional development. It may mean that certain key milestones are delayed or do not take place at all.’

The depth and scope of this excellent addition to publications on the subject is, I suspect, destined to make it a standard text. It will be of interest to anyone involved in the area of children’s health and will be welcome on any acupuncturist’s bookshelf, not only those of us who already treat children but also anyone who is considering taking their first steps in that direction. The earnest passion and dedication with which Avern speaks through these pages will no doubt encourage more practitioners to study and practise in this highly rewarding field.

Rainy Hutchinson spent ten years teaching in a large comprehensive school before retraining in acupuncture at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading, graduating in 2003. She completed further study in paediatric acupuncture with Julian Scott before opening the Children’s Acupuncture Clinic in Sheffield in 2007. She is the author of The Acupuncture Points Functions Colouring Book.

(Reviewed by Rainy Hutchinson, EJOM Vol.9 No.3)

Rainy Hutchinson spent ten years teaching in a large comprehensive school before retraining in acupuncture at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading, graduating in 2003. She completed further study in paediatric acupuncture with Julian Scott before opening the Children’s Acupuncture Clinic in Sheffield in 2007. She is the author of The Acupuncture Points Functions Colouring Book.