FAQs for Parents
1 / What happens during the initial session?
During the first session, I will see you and your child together and we'll go through some details right back to their early years - we will have had a private chat first so if there's anything you don't want to be discussed in front of your young person, you can let me know in that session.
My objective in the first session is to form a diagnosis (from a Chinese medicine perspective) and to build rapport with your child.
As well as asking questions, I'll also ask to see your child's tongue and feel their pulses which aids my diagnosis.
2 / What is a treatment like?
Each session may be slightly different and I always explain what I would like to do and get your child's consent at every step of the way. If they don't want to try needles, they don't have to. If I am using needles, they are really very fine (around 0.14mm to 0.16mm diameter) and I use techniques that mean they're almost painless.
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The needles may be retained for around 15minutes or they may be removed very quickly, it just depends what I'm trying to achieve in that session. If we are not using needles, I will use other techniques like paediatric tui na massage, cupping, laser therapy or moxa. I will explain everything I use in each session. Sessions are always fully tailored to your child's needs and I prioritise their comfort and ensuring a positive experience.
3 /I can't believe my child will tolerate the needles at all, how will you deal with that?
I ensure a child-centred approach and I'm very flexible in my treatments so I can always adapt if your child doesn't want to use needles or if they change their mind at any time. I have a range of needle-free options available to me and we will find the right ones for your child and their condition.
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I build trust and gently introduce the idea of the needles, it can be surprising how many children are happy to give them a try. I am very conscious about ensuring that children are not anxious about coming for treatment so I work with the child and meet them where they are to ensure they are comfortable at all times. I will never pressure your child to have needles if it's not something they're comfortable with.
4 /Can my other children come too?
Yes they can, within the clinic there is a waiting area where they can wait with you. It is a shared office space though, so I do ask that noise is kept to a minimum and that children are able to behave appropriately in that environment whilst waiting for their siblings.
5 /How many sessions will my child need and how often do we need to come?
This varies significantly depending on the child, external factors and the nature of the condition you're seeking treatment for. I initially recommend a series of weekly appointments for around 3 weeks usually and then we can discuss progress and agree the best approach. It can take several sessions to fully resolve issues, however, children tend to respond quicker to treatment than adults and most will see changes quickly.