The Bedwetting Dilemma and How Acupuncture Can Help

We’ve previously discussed incontinence and how acupuncture can make a significant difference for those who are losing control of their bladders due to age, illness, or even pregnancy. But there’s another population that can sometimes have problems with bladder control: young children. When it comes to nighttime pottying, little kids can have an extreme learning curve, and older children may not be able to wake to get to the bathroom. While Bedwetting, or enuresis, is an inconvenience in the learning stage, it can be an enormous embarrassment as children go to school and sleepovers. Thankfully, acupuncture once again comes to the rescue to ease the issue.

Bedwetting As a Symptom
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 10% of seven-year-olds and 5% of ten-year-olds have bedwetting issues. The problems may be even more pervasive given the abundance of larger sized diapers available on the store shelves, those that are specifically aimed at school-aged bedwetters. In the belief of most acupuncturists (and many allopathic physicians), bedwetting is not the core problem; instead, it is a symptom of other challenges the child may be facing. Emotional stress is a huge issue behind bedwetting, but there may be physical problems as well, such as insomnia and underdeveloped kidneys or bladder. Since acupuncture’s aim is to allow blood to flow more openly to where it is needed in the body, it can serve to strengthen and balance the organs as well as promote overall wellbeing.

Efficacy of Acupuncture in Treating Enuresis
According to a 2001 study of 50 children suffering from enuresis, 43 had stopped having issues with bedwetting within six months of starting acupuncture. In a 2014 study, Chinese herbal medicine was included in the mix, with group one receiving just acupuncture, group two just herbal medicine, and group three receiving both treatment modalities. While children in all groups saw marked improvements, group three — the one being treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine — had a clinically significant gain on either of the other two.

Getting Kids to the Acupuncturist
Acupuncture may not be the first consideration for dealing with bedwetting, mostly since so many American parents rely solely on the recommendations of an allopathic pediatrician. A natural concern is that the process involves needles and sitting still, two issues for many young children.

[tweet_box]If you have not yet visited an acupuncturist yourself, as a parent, it might be a good idea to do that first[/tweet_box] so that you can share your experience with your child. Acupuncture offices tend to be quiet, relaxing places. The needles can barely be felt when they’re being placed, and the release of energy and blood as a result of the needles causes most people to settle down and relax. Some patients even fall asleep during the treatment! If the child is six or older, there is a good chance he or she will be quite successful with acupuncture.

Next Steps
Naturally, you will have discussed your child’s bedwetting issues with your pediatrician first, but if he or she has been unable to help solve the problem, it may be time to look at acupuncture. Harmony and Health Acupuncture looks forward to meeting your child and walking him or her through the steps of acupuncture. You’re sure to see a more confident, outgoing kid in no time. Call us today to schedule your appointment.