Sho Ni Shi — Japanese Pediatric Acupressure in Tuckahoe, NY & Bryant Park, NYC
Sho ni shin (also written as sho-ni-shi) is a specialized Japanese pediatric acupressure technique that uses small metal tools to gently stimulate acupuncture points and meridian channels without any needle insertion. At Elemental Acupuncture, Dr. Bethany Leddy, DACM, MSOM, has been practicing sho ni shin for over 22 years, making her one of the most experienced pediatric acupuncture specialists in the New York area. Children’s energy systems are naturally more dynamic and responsive than adults’, which means gentle surface stimulation — without needles — often produces fast, lasting therapeutic results. If you are seeking gentle, effective, drug-free care for your child, call (646) 872-1181 or request an appointment today.
Request an AppointmentHow Sho Ni Shin Works
During a sho ni shin session, Dr. Leddy uses specially designed small metal instruments to gently tap, press, and stroke along the acupuncture channels on the child’s body. These tools stimulate the superficial meridian pathways and acupuncture points in a manner that is comfortable, non-threatening, and typically enjoyable for children. Because children’s qi flows closer to the surface and responds rapidly to subtle stimulation, this light treatment can produce significant and lasting effects on the body’s energetic balance — without a single needle being used.
Sho ni shin can treat virtually any pediatric health condition and is widely used for ADHD, allergies, constipation, insomnia, enuresis (bedwetting), digestive complaints, recurring colds and coughs, skin conditions, and immune support. It is safe from infancy onward and can be used as a standalone treatment or alongside Chinese herbal medicine for enhanced results. For older children who are comfortable with needles, sho ni shin can also be combined with standard acupuncture or seshokushin techniques. Visit our Pediatric Acupuncture page to learn more about Dr. Leddy’s approach to children’s health, or explore the full conditions treated at Elemental Acupuncture.
Frequently Asked Questions — Sho Ni Shin
[dm-toggle title=”
What is sho ni shin and how does it work?
“]
Sho ni shin is a Japanese pediatric acupressure technique that uses small metal tools to gently tap, press, and stroke along a child’s acupuncture meridians without needle insertion. Children’s qi responds rapidly to this gentle surface stimulation, producing quick and lasting therapeutic results.
[/dm-toggle]
[dm-toggle title=”
What conditions can sho ni shin treat in children?
“]
Sho ni shin is used for ADHD, allergies, constipation, insomnia, enuresis (bedwetting), digestive disorders, recurring colds, skin conditions, immune weakness, and more. It can address virtually any pediatric health condition safely and gently.
[/dm-toggle]
[dm-toggle title=”
Is sho ni shin safe for infants and very young children?
“]
Yes. Sho ni shin is safe from infancy onward. It involves no needles and is adapted in technique and pressure to the child’s age, size, and sensitivity. Dr. Leddy has 22 years of experience treating children of all ages with this technique.
[/dm-toggle]
[dm-toggle title=”
Will my child be comfortable during sho ni shin treatment?
“]
Yes. The treatment is gentle and non-invasive — most children find it calming and even enjoyable. Dr. Leddy creates a warm, reassuring environment and always explains what she is doing to both the child and parent. Many children look forward to their appointments.
[/dm-toggle]
[dm-toggle title=”
Can sho ni shin be combined with Chinese herbal medicine for children?
“]
Yes. Combining sho ni shin with Chinese herbal tinctures formulated for children often produces faster and more comprehensive results. Dr. Leddy will recommend the appropriate combination based on the child’s specific TCM diagnosis.
[/dm-toggle]
[dm-toggle title=”
How is sho ni shin different from standard acupuncture?
“]
Standard acupuncture inserts fine needles into specific points. Sho ni shin achieves similar therapeutic effects through external surface stimulation using metal tools — no insertion required. It is specifically designed for children’s more sensitive and rapidly responding energy systems.
[/dm-toggle]
[dm-toggle title=”
How do I schedule sho ni shin for my child at Elemental Acupuncture?
“]
Call (646) 872-1181 or request an appointment at our Tuckahoe or Bryant Park office. Dr. Leddy welcomes new pediatric patients at both locations.
[/dm-toggle]