Editor’s Note: This post references AcuGraph 4, which has been succeeded by AcuGraph CS. The clinical concepts discussed remain applicable to current practice.
Hello Everyone, Just taking a quick break from the rush of AcuGraph 4 upgrades to post a tip. I often get asked about graphing children and infants. People want to know if it’s appropriate to do so, and the answer is YES. I originally was introduced to Ryodoraku acupuncture years ago when I took my newborn daughter to the acupuncturist because she wasn’t sleeping very well at night. The acupuncturist used an old manual Ryodoraku system to find her problem and treat her. I was intrigued, and began studying Ryodoraku. One thing led to another, and here we are today. All because of a graph on a baby. A few nights ago at home, a different daughter, who is 6 years old, said she wasn’t feeling well and asked if I would graph her. I did so, and provided treatment. Afterwards, she drew me this picture:
Hi Dr Larsen, since asking you last year about graphing kids I have graphed my 2 boys (6 & 4yrs old) quite a few times. I’ve done it when they have a cough or fever and also when they are fine, just to see what’s happening. I treat the recommended points with a teishin tapping tool and the qipulse laser and boy do they respond quickly!
All the best,
Matt
Dr. Larsen,
About 50% of my practice is pediatrics and I have to say kids LOVE the acugraph. It is such a useful tool since kids can’t tell us the whole story about their condition the acugraph provides a lot of information and helps me draw out more details
from the parents. I do have one question though. Do you use a special technique to get readings on kids who are fidgety? Sometimes I find it incredibly difficult to get accurate readings on kids who can’t sit still. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Robin
Fidgety kids can be a problem. Usually if I talk them through it and let them fidget between points, it helps. And lots of patience helps too.