Acupuncture in Practice: Investigating Acupuncturists’ Approach to Treating Infantile Colic

Abstract

Infantile colic is common, but no safe and effective conventional treatment exists. The use of acupuncture has increased despite weak evidence. This practitioner survey explores and discusses how infantile colic is regarded and treated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The study is based on personal communication with 24 acupuncturists from nine countries. These acupuncturists specialize in pediatric acupuncture and represent different styles of acupuncture. Their experiences are discussed and related to relevant books and articles. Informants claimed good results when treating infants with colic. The TCM patterns commonly described by informants matched the textbooks to a great extent. The most common syndromes were “stagnation of food” and “Spleen Qi Xu.” Regarding treatment, some informants followed the teachers' and the textbook authors' advice on differentiated treatment according to syndrome. The points used most often were LI4, ST36, and Sifeng. Other informants treated all infants alike in one single point, LI4. The results demonstrate the diversity of TCM. The use of acupuncture for infantile colic presents an interesting option, but further research is needed in order to optimize the effects and protect infants from unnecessary or less effective treatment.

Effect of Minimal Acupuncture for Infantile Colic: A Multicentre, Three-Armed, Single-Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial (Acu-Col)

“…Compared to TCM acupuncture treatments in adults, in ACU-COL fewer needles were used, the treatment time was shorter, and the needle stimulation followed recommendations to be very mild 12. Yet acupuncture showed a significant effect on some variables, suggesting that MA can have a therapeutic effect.…”

“…One needle was inserted to a depth of approximately 3 mm unilaterally for 2–5 s and then withdrawn without stimulation. Infants allocated to group B received semi-standardised individualised acupuncture, mimicking clinical TCM practice 12. Following a manual, the acupuncturists were able to choose one point, or any combination of Sifeng , LI4 and ST36, depending on the infant's symptoms, as reported in the diary.…”

“…Acupuncture is sometimes used to treat infantile colic, despite sparse and conflicting evidence 12. Until now, only three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for infantile colic have been published 8…”

“…Most acupuncturists sharing their experiences in a previous survey12 reported using more than one point when treating infantile colic, tailoring each treatment to match the infant's current symptoms as reported by the parents. LI4 and ST36, both considered important in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms7 13 and infantile colic,12 were among the most commonly used traditional acupuncture points. In addition, Sifeng is classically indicated for impaired digestion in childhood13 and is considered to provide a stronger stimulus while also being more painful 12…”

“…LI4 and ST36, both considered important in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms7 13 and infantile colic,12 were among the most commonly used traditional acupuncture points. In addition, Sifeng is classically indicated for impaired digestion in childhood13 and is considered to provide a stronger stimulus while also being more painful 12…”