Children's language development delays: Chinese medicine acupuncture can also be used for auxiliary treatment

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, is emerging as a viable complementary therapy for children experiencing language development delays, according to Dr. Zou Xiaoling, a Chinese medicine physician at the University of Chinese Medicine Hsinchu Branch Hospital.

Dr. Zou utilizes "scalp acupuncture" and "body acupuncture" to aid in treatment. Scalp acupuncture involves stimulating specific points on the scalp linked to the brain's language centers. This method aims to enhance cerebral blood circulation, regulate the nervous system, and boost brain activity, thereby assisting in language comprehension and expressive abilities. By primarily stimulating the "Baihui acupoint" and other related cranial areas, the treatment promotes the development of language functions.

One notable case involved a two-year-old child who, upon initial examination, could not say "daddy" or "mommy" and struggled to understand simple conversations or instructions. Following a regimen of weekly acupuncture sessions alongside early intervention therapies, the child began calling his parents within three months. Six months into the treatment, he could express basic needs like "want" and "don't want." Now nearly four years old, the child can engage in simple question-and-answer exchanges and conversations.

Body acupuncture focuses on adjusting the overall bodily functions. Some children with language delays also exhibit issues such as drooling, weak gastrointestinal function, poor nutrient absorption, insufficient limb strength, disrupted sleep patterns, or emotional instability. Stimulating specific acupoints helps regulate these bodily functions, reducing their potential impact on learning and development.

Dr. Zou explains that language development delays can stem from various factors, including prematurity, oxygen deprivation during birth, congenital genetic conditions, autism spectrum disorder, or general developmental slowness. The critical period for language and cognitive development in children is from birth to six years old, making early intervention crucial. Chinese medicine acupuncture is recommended as a supplementary therapy, typically requiring a commitment of at least three to six months. For children who are sensitive to needles or for those who prefer non-invasive options, "laser acupuncture" is available, using low-energy laser light on traditional acupoints, though this is an out-of-pocket expense.