Falta de apetito y trastornos de alimentación en la infancia: Signo clínico de una deficiencia de Qi de bazo. Tratamiento con acupuntura en un solo punto

Abstract

Background Lack of appetite in young children is a symptom often encountered in pediatric practice. Acute incidents within the course of or shortly after an infection as well as chronic forms (so called “bad eaters”) are a well-known phenomenon. Chinese medicine sees these symptoms as signs of spleen Qi deficiency and suggests a therapeutic approach by strengthening the spleen. Objectives The study investigates the impact of the acupuncture treatment of Sp 6 on the lack of appetite in young children. Results after 1-5 treatment sessions were rated by the parents subjectively describing the effect as excellent, good, moderate, or no effect. Methods In a multicentre trial in Germany and Switzerland children at the age of 10 weeks up to 5 years (n = 42) were treated with needle (n = 35) and laser acupuncture (n = 7) at acupoint Spleen 6. The needling technique used was tonifying at one (n = 7) or both sides (n = 28) for approx. 4 s and then removing the needle immediately. Laser acupuncture was applied to both sides with 630 nm and 0,1-0,2 J at each point which equals 20-40 s at 5 mW. Results Needle acupuncture as well as laser acupuncture at Sp 6 has a positive impact on the appetite of children, according to their parents’ observations. Discussion Acupuncture of Sp 6 seems to be an advisable therapeutic approach in children with lack of appetite, resembling a cost and time-effective, safe option that could even be performed by non-acupuncturists, especially since there is no alternative treatment in western medicine and since the technique is easy to be acquired. The good results encourage even a single-point therapy. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.