Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine in which very fine needles are placed in the skin along certain points, or “meridians,” of the body. Each of these meridians is associated with a different organ system. When these meridians are stimulated by acupuncture needles, balance is restored to the body, allowing healing to begin.

Studies show that acupuncture may significantly help children with cerebral palsy. In one study of 75 children with cerebral palsy, acupuncture given at least 10 times within 20 days was shown to significantly reduce physical symptoms and increase intelligence. Another study showed that children with CP who received acupuncture treatments had reduced spasticity, as well as a decrease in pain associated with spasticity. Finally, a study done in China indicated that acupuncture may be more effective than hyperbaric oxygen therapy; improvements in those receiving acupuncture was 97.06%, while improvements in those receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy was 78.38%.

Not all insurances cover alternative treatments such as acupuncture. If your child’s acupuncture treatments have been denied, it doesn’t mean that your child has to go without this valuable therapy. See our legal/financial section for more information, or contact us to see how we can help. With the right advocacy, your child can get the benefits and therapies that she needs.