In the spirit of family medicine Rachel devotes much of her clinical practice to natural pediatric care. Children are treated by a variety of modalities including pediatric acupuncture (short insertion, children do not retain the needles), moxabustion (warming the acupuncture points with herbs), and vibrational remedies including: herbal and homeopathic remedies, flower essences, essential oils, mantra, and lifestyle adjustments.

An initial pediatric intake is one to two hours in length. It includes review of the child’s intake, pulse taking, constitutional evaluation including lifestyle recommendations concerning appropriate dietary and daily regimes. When appropriate herbal and/or vibrational remedies will be recommended. In many cases children will be treated initially with moxa. Moxa is an herbal preparation which is rolled into a stick and lit. The practitioner warms specific points on the body by holding the moxa above the skin. Children’s moxa is also available in miniature “stick on” shields that are applied to points. Children adore moxa! It is warming, nurturing, and lots of fun. Moxa allows children to directly participate in their healing without anxiety. Children are often exposed to traditional “mantras” or healing sounds as a way of energetically engaging them in their healing.

Pediatric acupuncture can begin at six months of age. It is appropriate for all the general childhood complaints such as ear infections, teething, digestive disturbances, sleep disorders, learning problems, and behavior issues. Dependent on the case, it can also be helpful in chronic disorders. When receiving acupuncture, children up to the age of 7 do not generally “retain” (keep in) the needles. The needle insertion is quick and relatively painless. When parents are relaxed and trusting of acupuncture, children tend to follow suit. Thanks to one of our earliest pediatric cases, we have coined the term “healing sticks” for the acupuncture needles themselves. This term was spontaneously invented by a child when he realized that the sensation of the acupuncture needle was not at all like a “shot.”