My Child Won’t Sleep! A Natural Medicine Guide to Sleep.
Does your child struggle with sleep? Whether it’s not being able to fall asleep, excessive waking during the night, very light sleeping or consistently waking up very early – it can be exhausting for everyone, especially Mum and Dad!
You may have tried everything; long car rides, rocking chairs, playing to exhaustion, lavender baths, soothing oils and creams but if nothing has worked then perhaps the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine may be able to provide some insights and (hopefully) some relief for some very tired parents and children.
What Traditional Chinese Medicine has to say about children and sleep
As well as emotional, environmental, physical, and lifestyle factors potentially at play, Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy links sleeplessness in children to imbalances within their body. A child’s energy (Qi) moves more quickly compared to an adult. This is because their bio-energetic systems are in the yang phase and not yet fully developed.
Their rapidly growing bodies consume large amounts of Qi, which may deplete the organs most responsible for producing energy. It is believed that disturbed sleep in children may be a sign of cold in the body, weak digestion, and poor circulation. These issues may prevent energy (Qi) from flowing freely affecting a child’s ability to settle, relax, and stay asleep.
Why does cold affect sleep?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, “cold” relates to more than just the weather: it describes an internal condition that can disrupt energy flow. Some children can be super sensitive to temperature changes and they may develop internal cold simply from going barefoot on chilly floors or drinking icy cold drinks. This cold can accumulate in their stomach and limbs which may prevent the body from properly relaxing into sleep due to the tension the body is holding onto.
How do poor digestion and circulation affect sleep?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy, the stomach and digestion is central to a child’s health. Heavy or overly processed foods along with snacking before bedtime may cause sluggish digestion and bloating. This makes it harder for the body to settle at night because the body is busy processing food rather than resting. Children’s digestive systems are still maturing which makes them more sensitive to imbalances like this.
When Qi isn’t flowing freely, then this may lead to poor blood circulation. The body then feels unsettled, as healthy sleep requires the smooth flow of energy, blood, and warmth throughout the body.
Signs that your child may be affected by Cold, Poor Digestion and/or Circulation
Some signs of ‘cold Qi’ and poor digestion and/or circulation to look out for are:
- cold hands and feet at night
- bloating
- tummy aches
- preference for curling up tightly in bed
- being restless after dinner and before bed
- twitchy legs
- experiencing gas or constipation
- waking up between 1 and 3am
- teeth grinding
If your children experience any of the above signs then keep reading how Shonishin and Traditional Chinese Medicine may help.
Shonishin – A Japanese Treatment Designed for Children
Shonishin is a traditional, non-invasive Japanese therapy designed specifically for children from infancy through to early teens. This treatment (with the literal translation of ‘little children needle’) emerged in the Osaka area of Japan in the 17th century as a family-based treatment. While based on acupuncture and moxibustion principles, Shonishin doesn’t use any needles. Instead, small, smooth tools are used to gently stroke, tap or rub the skin along specific meridians with the aim to stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
These calming techniques support the body’s natural rhythms to balance a child’s energy (Qi). By working on energy channels, Shonishin aims to help warm the body, stimulate digestion, and improve circulation. This therapy is particularly helpful to support better sleep in sensitive or unsettled children. Not only that, mood, immunity, focus, and general well-being may be boosted helping them be happier, healthier, and more settled overall.
Holistic home remedies for sleep that parents can try at home
Alongside professional Shonishin treatments, there are some home-based techniques rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine that parents can use that may help support their child’s sleep naturally:
1. Tummy Massage
Gently massage your child’s stomach in clockwise circles to aid digestion and reduce tension using a little warm oil (for example sesame or coconut oil). Try to work this into your child’s bedtime routine to improve sleeping habits.
2. Warm Foot Soaks
Soak your child’s feet in warm water before bed. This helps to draw energy down from the head, warms the body, and signals to the nervous system that it’s time to rest. Add some ginger, sea salt, or some essential oils if it helps.
3. Serve Warm, Cooked Meals
Give your child warm, nourishing cooked meals like soups, stews or rice-based dishes for dinner. Cold and raw foods, such as fruit, ice-cream, and yoghurt may weaken their digestion if eaten at night.
4. Use Gentle Acupressure Points
Apply light and gentle pressure on calming points like:
• Yin Tang (between the eyebrows)
• Heart 7 (at the wrist crease)
• Kidney 1 (on the sole of the foot)
These points may help calm the mind and support deeper rest.
5. Consistent Bedtime Routine
Create a bedtime routine with regular sleep and wake times, calming activities after dinner, and dim lighting in the evening. These all may help regulate the child’s internal clock and is based on what Traditional Chinese Medicine calls supporting the flow of “Shen” (spirit).
If you’re looking for a natural way to support your child’s sleep and overall health, Shonishin might be the way forward. Deeply grounded in traditional eastern medicine and healing wisdom, it offers a calming technique without needles or discomfort.
Our experienced Shonishin practitioners can create a treatment plan that is tailored to your child, based completely on their individual needs.
Why not call us today on 07 5571 0001 to find out how Shonishin may help you and your child or book an appointment with one of our qualified Gold Coast Practitioners via the button below.