Paediatric Acupuncture
In the West, most people are unaware that babies and children can be treated using acupuncture. In fact it has been used for thousands of years in China to improve children’s health and aid recovery from a wide range of illnesses and medical conditions.
Acupuncture can avoid or reduce the need for medication in many cases but can also work safely in conjunction with conventional medicine where a combined approach is appropriate for the child.
The Children’s Acupuncture Clinic is one of the few places in the country where this type of specialised treatment is available. If you can’t find the answers to your particular question, or simply wish to discuss how acupuncture could help your family, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What to expect – assessment and diagnosis
The first appointment will take about an hour, and during this time a full medical history will be taken. It may be necessary to remove some of the patient’s clothing to allow for examination, so it is advisable to wear lose fitting clothes.
The patient’s pulses (three on each wrist) will be taken and the acupuncturist will also want to look at the tongue before making a final diagnosis and deciding on a treatment plan.
Treatment
A very fine, sterile needle is inserted into each selected point. The number and location of the points will depend on the patient’s energy level and the condition being treated. Needles may be removed immediately, or in some cases left in place for up to 20 minutes.
Who can Benefit?
A child who is unwell is always a worry for a parent, and the whole family can often be left feeling physically and emotionally drained. Unresolved health problems cause undue suffering to the child and can upset the balance at home and at school.
Many parents are also concerned about repeated and long term dependence on medicines such as inhalers, antibiotics and steroids.
Acupuncture offers a holistic treatment which will relieve symptoms in the short term whilst addressing the cause of the condition to give long term health benefits.
FAQ’s
Is Acupuncture safe?
Yes. Licensed Acupuncturists know the human anatomy well, and insert needles in a safe fashion. The needles used to penetrate the skin are pre – sterilised and disposed of after a single use.
What does treatment feel like?
The treatment is not painful although some babies cry or struggle at the intrusion as with having their face washed or nails cut, but are easily and quickly consoled.
How much will it cost?
Your child’s appointment will cost £34.
How long will we need to wait for an appointment?
We can normally offer an appointment for your child within a week.
How long is a treatment?
The first treatment takes one hour as a full medical history has to be taken, plus consultation and treatment. Follow up appointments are half an hour. There is no extra cost for the first treatment.
How many treatments will my child need?
The number of treatments depends on the strength or weakness of your child’s energy and the relative severity of the illness. In most cases it takes between 1 -10 treatments. Rainy will discuss this with you at your child’s first appointment.
Does my child need a referral from a GP?
You do not need a referral from a GP to make an appointment.
Can we claim on our private medical insurance?
Some insurers include children as part of their scheme. Please check with your insurer for details.
Do children have to sit or lie still for their treatment?
No!
The treatment technique for children is very different to adults. Needles are inserted, manipulated and removed immediately in one movement. This can be done whilst a baby is sleeping, whilst a child is sitting on a parent’s knee, or when crawling around or playing.
Cost of treatment:
Each appointment costs £45.