**2.21 Acupuncture**

Acupuncture is an old medical practice that started in China almost 8000 years ago. In the United States, it is considered an alternative treatment and it must be studied more to prove its effectiveness, which might help CP children by reducing the child's symptoms and other associated disorders. The acupuncturists will insert tiny needles into specific areas of the skin. The Chinese mentioned, when the needle inserted in specific areas of the skin, it helps to release the body's life force, also known as the "qi" (pronounced "chee") [65]. Releasing the force will relieve pain, help treat illnesses, and improve disabilities. A University of Minnesota's team reported, the "qi" is located throughout the body with focuses in certain areas, including body fluids, actuation, body limbs, body's defense system, and eating, drinking, and breathing. Targeting pressure points, or meridians, within the body will trigger the qi. After inserting a needle into the pressure point, little pain will be felt by the patient, and he will feel qi moving throughout the meridians. When problem areas within the body were reached by the qi, it results in healing of the deficiencies.

Acupuncture therapy is relatively a new treatment for CP. Very few in-depth studies including NIH study have been done, but the results are encouraging. Acupuncture may provide great help to CP children and can help with the accompanying associated disorders. It can help with cognitive issues, hearing deficits, speech delays, imitations, pain relief, and improved gross motor functionality. The procedure is done at acupuncture clinics. Acupuncture is not one of the traditional treatment options to treat CP and we need more studies to confirm its effectiveness.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), "It is safe for children when therapy is performed by a well-experienced acupuncturist, but 2011 research concluded that a lot of side effects can occur when it is done by poorly trained acupuncturist" [66, 67].

The most side effects are dizziness, pain at the site entry, infections, nerve puncture injuries, fatigue, bruising, muscle twitching, and emotional release, which may lead to crying (this is generally a positive side effect). Bruising and nerve injuries are usually do not occur if the procedure done by a fully trained and licensed acupuncturist. To be qualified to practice acupuncture, the acupuncturist must attend a 3–4-year program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).
