Summary: More and more pediatric healthcare systems are incorporating acupuncture for pain management and other purposes. Dr. Winona Chua, attending physician, Division of General Pediatrics, and Douglas McDaniel, licensed acupuncturist, Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, discuss: a review of what acupuncture is, its history, and theories about why it is effective for some patients; why research in acupuncture in pediatrics has been limited; licensing for acupuncturists; how CHOP is using acupuncture; conditions for which acupuncture may be indicated and how a primary care physician can refer; how to explain acupuncture to children, who may fear needles; insurance coverage for acupuncture; and more.
