Supporting Children with Tics & Tourette Syndrome
Watching your child experience tics can be worrying and overwhelming.
Many parents are told to “wait and see,” but you may be looking for a safe, natural way to support your child.
At Almond Wellness Centre, we offer gentle acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to help support children with Tourette syndrome and tic disorders.
What Are Tics?
Tics are involuntary, repetitive movements or sounds.
They can include:
- Eye blinking
- Facial grimacing
- Shoulder shrugging
- Throat clearing or vocal sounds
Tics often:
- Fluctuate over time
- Worsen with stress, fatigue, or illness
- Improve when the nervous system is calm
Understanding Tourette syndrome
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition involving:
- Both motor and vocal tics
- Symptoms lasting longer than 12 months
- Often beginning in childhood
Severity can vary significantly. Some children experience mild symptoms, while others may need ongoing support.
A Holistic Approach with Acupuncture & TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tics are not viewed in isolation.
They are often associated with:
- Internal wind – Think of this like unexpected storms in the body’s system – causing sudden movements, twitches, and changes that feel beyond your child’s control.
- Liver and heart imbalance – When these systems aren’t harmonised, children may experience frustration, restlessness, emotional stress/sensitivity, or trouble settling down.
- Phlegm Disturbing the Mind – This can show up as mental fogginess, difficulty focusing, or feeling stuck in repetitive thoughts and behaviours.
- Underlying deficiency patterns
How Acupuncture May Help
Acupuncture aims to gently regulate the body.
It may help to:
- Reduce frequency and intensity of tics
- Calm the nervous system
- Improve digestion, sleep and emotional stability
- Support resilience to stress
💡 Many families choose acupuncture as a complementary approach alongside medical care.
Research insight: A clinical trial showed acupuncture significantly improved tic severity in children with Tourette Syndrome (Wang et al., 2020).
Chinese Herbal Medicine Support
Modern research is now catching up with what traditional practitioners have known for centuries – certain Chinese herbs have remarkable effects on the nervous system.
Calming Involuntary Movements and Tics
Herbs like White Peony Root (Bai Shao) help relax muscles and reduce spasms, while classical “wind-calming” herbs such as Gastrodia (Tian Ma) and Uncaria (Gou Teng) help regulate the nervous system’s excitability.
Research insight: A 2025 review found that formulas containing these herbs significantly reduced tic severity in children compared to control groups (Yu et al., 2025)
Chinese herb Bai Shao
Chinese herb Gou Teng
Chinese herb Tian Ma
Supporting Focus and Emotional Balance
When children struggle with inattention or impulsivity, herbs like Polygala (Yuan Zhi) can enhance learning and memory, while calming herbs such as Dragon Bone (Long Gu) help reduce restlessness and emotional reactivity.
Research insight: Studies show Polygala can improve cognitive performance and modulate neurotransmitters involved in attention (Park et al., 2019).
Balancing Brain Chemistry Naturally
Research suggests that Chinese herbs work by:
- Balancing dopamine levels (linked to hyperactivity and impulse control)
- Supporting serotonin function (important for mood and attention)
- Reducing inflammation in the nervous system
- Improving blood flow to the brain
Research insight: Formulas like Tian Ma-Gou Teng show neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects (Zhang et al., 2018).
Clinically Proven Herbal Formulas
Several Chinese herbal formulas have received official approval for supporting tic disorders, including:
- Changma Xi Feng Pian（菖麻熄风片）
- Shao Ma Zhi Jing Granules（芍麻止痉颗粒）
- Jiu Wei Xi Feng Granules（九味熄风颗粒）
These specially formulated medicines have shown benefits in reducing tic severity, calming hyperactivity, and improving attention and self-control.
Experienced Clinical Care
Dr. Richard Zeng (CM)
Dr. Richard Zeng has decades of clinical experience, with extensive expertise in:
- Neurological conditions
- Complex, chronic cases
He has helped many families manage tic disorders using a structured and individualised TCM approach.
Gentle & Child-Friendly Treatment Methods
We tailor treatments based on your child’s age and comfort level.
Options may include:
- Gentle acupuncture (minimal or no retention)
- Laser acupuncture (needle-free)
- Acupressure
- Tui Na massage
- Chinese herbal medicine (when appropriate)
Is Acupuncture Safe for Children?
Yes. When performed by qualified practitioners, acupuncture is considered safe.
A 2023 study found:
“The data dispels the belief that acupuncture needling is painful.”
In practice:
- Treatments are quick
- Most children experience little to no discomfort
What to Expect
- Initial consultation to understand your child fully
- Individualised treatment plan
- Gentle, short sessions
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments
Every child is different. We focus on steady, gradual improvement.
When Should You Seek Support?
Consider support if:
- Tics are becoming more frequent
- Symptoms affect confidence or daily life
- Stress or sleep issues are present
- You want a natural, supportive approach
FAQ
Is Chinese medicine safe for children?
Yes, when prescribed by a qualified practitioner. We use child-appropriate dosages and gentle techniques specifically suited for children’s sensitive systems.
How long until we see improvements?
This varies for each child. Some families notice changes within a few weeks, while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
Can we use Chinese medicine alongside other treatments?
Absolutely. Chinese medicine works well alongside behavioural therapy, occupational therapy, and in many cases, medication. We believe in a collaborative approach to your child’s care.
What if my child won’t take herbs or is afraid of needles?
We have many options! Herbs can often be formulated into pleasant-tasting granules, and we can teach acupressure techniques instead of needles. We work at your child’s comfort level.
Do you work with both Coburg and Ringwood families?
Yes! We welcome families from across Melbourne at both our Coburg clinic (21 Bell Street) and our Ringwood clinic (31 Wantirna Road).
📍 Tics & Tourette Treatment Melbourne – Book a Consultation
If your child is experiencing tics, you’re not alone—and support is available. At Almond Wellness Centre, we provide:
- Gentle paediatric Chinese medicine consultations
- Child-friendly acupuncture techniques
- Customised herbal formulas
- Dietary and lifestyle guidance
- Support for the whole family
Take the first step:
Call us at 03 8802 1519 to schedule a consultation at our Coburg or Ringwood clinic
or
Book Online