Shonishin is more commonly known as Japanese Paediatric (or children’s) Acupuncture and it literally translates as “Children’s Needle”. Both Traditional Chinese and Japanese acupuncturists have been treating children for centuries. The Shonishin system, more specifically, dates back to the 17th century Japan in the Osaka region and then passed down through the generations until it was popularised through medical journals and publications in 1960s Japan.
The Shonishin approach uses a range of tools and is generally needle-less. The tools used within Shonishin are often blunt and used for techniques that stroke, tap and press the various meridians of the child. The techniques are gentle and the procedure is often completed fairly quickly without any discomfort or distress to the child.