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Acupuncture for babies, children and teenagers

Acupuncture is an effective, gentle and safe treatment for babies and children of all ages.

The treatment of children has formed a specialised subject in Chinese medicine since the Song dynasty 1,000 years ago.  Today, treatment has been adapted to meet the needs of children in the 21st century.

Treating both the illness and the child

Every child needs a slightly different approach and a different method of treatment.  Your child’s symptoms do not occur in isolation and should always be understood in the context of your child as a whole person.  I will tailor the treatment to suit the nature and needs of your individual child.  My main priority is to keep your child’s experience a positive one and to help them feel safe and relaxed.  My approach is always compassionate and practical.

SUN SIMIAO 孫思邈, BEIJI QIANJIN YAOFANG 備急千金要方, INTRODUCTION TO VOL. 5 ON PAEDIATRICS

Of all the paths for giving the people life, every single one nurtures the small in order to make it big.  Without care for the small, death ensues before the big is completed.  For this reason, the Yìjīng says: ‘Enable that which is small to come together so as to complete that which is big….

Child-friendly techniques

Your child may be happy to try needles but if not I use a number of highly effective alternative treatment methods which do not involve the insertion of needles.  This means that I can find a way of giving your child the treatment they need in a way which is acceptable to them.

The methods I might use include:

  • Shonishin or ‘children’s needle’
  • Acupressure
  • Press seeds or magnets
  • Moxibustion
  • Cupping
  • Bespoke lifestyle advice and suggestions suited to the unique nature of your child.

Once I have gained your child’s trust, they may be happy to try needles.  I use very few needles, and they are extremely fine, with a very gentle method of insertion.  Up to the age of about seven, needles are inserted and withdrawn immediately.  For older children, some needles may be retained for up to ten minutes depending on the child’s ability to stay still.

Supporting children’s physical, behavioural and emotional development

Babies, children and teenagers are brought for treatment for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Sleep problems
  • Earache
  • Cough
  • Asthma
  • Eczema
  • Acne
  • Problems with eating and appetite
  • Colic, reflux and digestive issues
  • Diarrhoea or constipation
  • Food allergies and intolerances
  • Bed wetting
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Tics
  • Hyperactivity
  • Learning difficulties
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Menstrual problems