Acupuncture for Children:

Your child's first visit

Your first visit will last about one hour. During this time your acupuncturist will observe your child, take your child's pulse and will ask various questions about your child's condition and medical history.

Your child's treatment

Fine, sterile, disposable needles are used at selected points on your child's body. This may cause a slight pin prick. Your acupuncturist will then briefly manipulate the needle until your child experiences the sensation known as 'obtaining the Qi'. The points being treated may feel sore or numb and there may be some tears. However, most children are easily and immediately amused after the last needle, with any tears evaporating into smiles.

On younger children usually four to six points are used: on older children sometimes a few more. Everything happens within a short space of time, from a few seconds to perhaps a minute or so. Most children are not afraid of needles although they do not enjoy the intrusion and brief experience of soreness. Very often it is the parents who worry more than the child.

Your acupuncturist may also use moxa. This is a smouldering herb which is held near some points to warm them slightly. Alternatively s/he may apply small suction cups. Children usually find this technique fun.

Subsequent visits

Subsequent sessions will last about fifteen minutes to half an hour. They will start with a few questions and a brief examination, followed by the treatment for the day.

Please dress your child in loose clothing in case your practitioner needs to use needles, for instance on your child's back or upper arm.

Qualifications:

Your acupuncturist will tell you whether he or she treats children. Chinese Medicine for children differs in many respects, including pathology and treatment, from that for adults. In addition to a standard qualification in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture an acupuncturist who treats children will have done special extra study of Chinese Medicine for children.