Gentle Care for Children & Teens
A Safe, Calm Space for Young Bodies and Minds
Children's bodies respond beautifully to acupuncture, often faster than adults. At Sanpodo Acupuncture in Shibuya, we offer gentle, age-appropriate treatments for children from newborns through to teenagers, helping young bodies stay balanced, resilient, and comfortable through every stage of growth.
Consultations are available in English, and parents are welcome to stay close throughout every session.
Paediatric Acupuncture — Newborns to Age 12
Our approach to younger children uses almost no needles at all. Instead, we use Teishin, gentle tapping and stroking techniques that stimulate acupoints without penetrating the skin, along with soft, non-contact moxibustion to warm and support the body. Sessions are short (around 5 minutes), deeply relaxing, and can be done with your child held in your arms or lying comfortably on the treatment bed.
We can help with:
• Digestive issues — colic, constipation, stomach aches, picky eating
• Night crying, unsettled sleep, or bedwetting
• Frequent colds, ear infections, or low immunity
• Skin conditions such as eczema or atopic dermatitis
• Asthma or respiratory sensitivities
• Growing pains and positional preferences
• Stress-related symptoms, tantrums, or difficulty settling
• Individualised care for children with ADHD, HSP, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or premature birth
histories
Teens Acupuncture — Middle School & Beyond
Adolescence brings rapid changes to both body and mind, and teens often carry more stress than they let on.
We introduce needles gradually and gently, always at a pace the young person is comfortable with. Sanpodo can be a quiet "third place" outside school and home, where teens feel safe, heard, and looked after.
Common reasons teens visit:
• Menstrual pain, irregular periods, or PMS
• Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness on standing)
• Muscle fatigue, shoulder tension, or headaches from sport or study
• Eye strain from screens
• Sleep difficulties, low mood, or stress
• Physical symptoms linked to eating or anxiety
Good Fit If You...
• Have a young child with recurring digestive, sleep, or immune issues
• Are looking for a gentle, drug-free complement to your child's existing care
• Have a teen struggling with period pain, stress, or physical burnout
• Are an English-speaking family in Tokyo wanting a clinic where everyone feels welcome
• Are visiting Tokyo and want natural support for your child during the trip
What to Expect at Sanpodo
Treatments follow a gentle, consistent sequence, abdomen, arms, legs, back, neck, head, and are always adapted to how your child is feeling that day. Parents can hold younger children throughout, and siblings or friends are welcome to come along.
We recommend sessions once every one to two weeks for ongoing support, though single visits are always welcome.