Learning how to stay dry at night is a natural part of development for young children. Unfortunately, in around 10% of children bedwetting may continue longer than expected, and can become a source of emotional upset and frustration for both you and your child. The good news is that paediatric acupuncture and herbs can help your child overcome bedwetting without the need for strong medications.

Western medicine classifies two types of bedwetting (otherwise know as nocturnal enuresis). Primary bedwetting is when a child hasn’t been dry for longer than a few months at a time. Secondary bedwetting is when a child stopped wetting for longer than six months but then started again.

What causes bedwetting? Although the exact cause is unknown, we do know that some common factors are at work. Firstly, the waking response in all children that wet the bed is not yet fully developed. In addition to this, around 60% of bedwetting children produce more urine while asleep and may have a reduced bladder capacity. Bedwetting can also be associated with constipation, urge incontinence (not being able to ‘hold on’), emotional excitement, and social changes. Bedwetting is a stubborn condition that is difficult to resolve. Western medications are available, but they are very strong and there is a high rate of relapse. So far, the other alternative has been to wait until the child grows out of it.

Paediatric acupuncture and herbal medicine is a highly specialised branch of traditional oriental medicine that is relatively unknown here in Australia. This refined discipline emphasises non-inserted or very delicate needle techniques that are quick and painless. Children describe the sensation as a ‘tickle’ or ‘mozzie bite’. Gentle and effective herbs are also used to resolve illness and support children’s developing systems. Used for centuries to successfully treat a wide range of common (and not so common) childhood illnesses, paediatric acupuncture and herbal medicine has an experienced approach to conditions that are often resistant to conventional western treatment.

In Chinese medicine, bedwetting is seen as a disorder of water metabolism. Over the centuries it has been observed that there are four main types of bedwetting, and each of these is distinguished through their association with other conditions that may be present in the child.

Bedwetting associated with a weak water metabolism.
Children with this type of enuresis may have siblings who also wet the bed. It is characterised by the large amount of urine that is passed during sleep, and there could be frequent or copious daytime urination. These children also tend to be a little nervous or shy.

Bedwetting associated with frequent colds and flu.
This type of enuresis can take two forms. The first is temporary and involves bedwetting after a bout of the sniffles or a nasty cough. This form usually resolves on its’ own, but some cases can need a helping hand.

The second form occurs in children who wet the bed regularly but also suffer from repeated respiratory infections. Bedwetting may also begin after a bout of illness, but in these cases it does not resolve. These children generally only pass a small amount during sleep. They often have poor appetites, or are unusually picky eaters.

Bedwetting associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs).
This type of enuresis is often secondary. Children will usually complain of hot, stinging sensations when they pass urine. They may also become hot, irritable or angry. Although acupuncture and herbs can be used to treat UTIs, it is important to see your doctor first. If your child is suffering with repeated UTIs, acupuncture and herbs can be used to resolve the underlying cause and prevent the need for future courses of antibiotics.

Bedwetting associated with emotional upset.
This type of enuresis can be difficult to define. It can occur in children who are weak or robust, as there is no apparent physical problem. In traditional paediatrics it is associated with a lingering illness that is not necessarily obvious in the child. These children may have swollen glands, and a history of repeated courses of antibiotics or immunizations.

In this type, a pathogen lingers in the deeper levels of the body and subtly affects the child’s emotional balance. These children are very sensitive, breaking down in tears or tantrums at the slightest thing. This is distressing for the child and can put strain on the rest of the family. This type of enuresis is reasonably complex and can take longer to resolve, but the results are more than worthwhile.

Children respond very well to treatment. They have very dynamic systems, and their energy is quick. Some cases will resolve very rapidly, while for more complex cases it will take longer to build up their reserves.  Paediatric acupuncture and herbs treat the whole child. Each treatment is tailored to your child’s constitution and their particular condition. For this reason, you will find that as the bedwetting resolves, so too do its associated conditions, such as frequent colds or emotional distress.

Paediatric acupuncture treatments are very different to adult treatment. Fewer points are used per treatment, the insertion is shallower (if there is any at all), the needles are super-fine, and they are left in for only a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the age of the child. After the treatment, herbs may be prescribed and some dietary adjustments may be suggested to accelerate recovery.

In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help your little one manage bedwetting. Night-lights can be useful if your child needs to go to the toilet or change their pyjamas during the night. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water through the day, but try to limit caffeinated or sugary drinks at night. A good nights sleep is better for your child than broken sleep, so try not to wake them to use the toilet. Absorbent pads can also be placed under the sheets to help keep the bed drier.

Bedwetting can be a difficult condition to manage for everyone involved. Paediatric acupuncture and herbs can help accelerate recovery with small and gentle interventions to keep nights dry and comfortable.  Aja Stuart

Aja Stuart has a bachelor of health science in traditional Chinese medicine (UTS).

Aja’s clinical practice is built on her compassion for the human spirit, her commitment to quality health care, and her belief that each individual has within them the power to heal and thrive. Specialising in family health, Aja uses acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine combined with modern scientific research to naturally improve health during the times of fertility, pregnancy and childhood. A healthy family is a happy family.

Aja’s practice is at Rozelle
Total Health, 579 Darling st, Rozelle, Sydney,

(02) 9087 4600

To ask her a question simply go to
www.tribemagazine.com.au

Next >