Paediatric Acupuncture for Teenagers & Children (11+)
Adolescence can be tough! It's a time of profound change; physically; emotionally; and mentally, which can lead to young people and teens feeling off balance and at times, struggling. I offer gentle, tailored acupuncture and non needle techniques in a compassionate and non-judgemental space to support young people through whatever physical or emotional challenges they may be facing.
Treating children and young people requires specialist paediatric training. I've trained with the World's leading paediatric acupuncturist, Rebecca Avern, to be able to offer gentle yet effective treatment to anyone age 11+. I've also completed advanced trained in treating mental health challenges within this age group. As a member of the Hub of Paediatric Acupuncturists I have access to the most up to date research, insights and education from around the world on this highly specialist area.
Depending on the needs and comfort level of the young person, treatments may include ultra-fine needles, non-needle techniques like acupressure, cupping, or ear seeds. I understand that every young person is unique and treatments are tailored to individual needs, ensuring effectiveness whilst prioritising a positive and nurturing experience (we never push the use of needles unless the patient is happy to try them).
If you'd like to make an appointment, I ask for an initial conversation with a parent/guardian before booking a consultation (this is free of charge) and you can book this online using the link below.
Why Choose Acupuncture for Your Teen?
Acupuncture is a gentle and particularly effective form of treatment for teenagers and young people. It's natural approach works to support their body, mind and spirit, helping them to better navigate the ups and downs of adolescence.
Evidence Based
Acupuncture can be traced back thousands of years, it's one of the oldest medical traditions that's still practiced all around the world, because it works!
There is a body of evidence and research to support the use of acupuncture for a range of conditions, the link below takes you to a site with a number of evidence summaries you may like to read.
What Can We Treat?
Acupuncture can help with a wide range of conditions and we do not need a formal western medicine diagnosis to be able to treat effectively. Common things we help with in clinic include:
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Anxiety & stress
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Sleep issues
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Period problems
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ADHD
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Anger and frustration
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Disordered eating
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Self harming
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Grief
If what you're struggling with isn't mentioned here, please get in touch and we can advise whether acupuncture would be an appropriate treatment.
Treatment Without Needles
We often find that children and teenagers don't mind the needles we use as they're so fine, your child/teen's treatment can be done without the use of needles.
We use a variety of techniques and will choose from this toolbox of options based on discussion with your child/teen, what we're trying to achieve, where on the body we are working, etc.
You can find more details on the techniques we use below.
Needle Free Techniques
Magnets & Ear Seeds
Magnets and ear seeds work in a similar way. They're small, gold coated low level magnets or tiny balls, that we apply to acupuncture points. They're held with a little sticker and work by applying a pressure. Great between treatments too!
Essential Oil Aromatherapy
We use essential oils (often diluted or in very low, safe doses), applied to acupuncture points and used according to the energetic property of the oil. They're a lovely way to effectively restore balance and can be used at home (I will guide you on this).
Cupping, Acupressure & Tui Na
We use very gently cupping using suction cups on our younger patients. This coupled with acupressure and paediatric Tui Na techniques can be really effective. Tui Na is a gentle, stroking based massage technique which is fabulous for soothing the nervous system and can be taught to use at home too.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is an ancient, traditional technique which involves the use of a dried herb, mugwort, which can be heated and used over acupuncture points. The heat doesn't touch the skin at all and creates a lovely feeling of warmth which can be really beneficial for a range of conditions.
Low Level Laser Acutherapy
Research has shown that low level laser therapy (this is different to lasers used for surgery or hair removal, etc and doesn't cause any damage to the skin or involve any heat) can stimulate the acupuncture points and channels in a similar way to a needle.
The pen is held over the acupuncture point for a few seconds during treatment.
Press Needles
Not strictly needle-free I know, but these tiny little press needles are a fantastic halfway house between the other therapies listed here and needles. They do pierce the skin but the needles are only just over 1mm long, so really very tiny!
As with all our treatments, we only use things we've discussed and agreed with the teen or young person.
Approach & Pricing
Initial Phone Appointment with Parent / Guardian
I always ask for an initial phone call with a parent or guardian before the first appointment. This is so I can understand the reasons for seeking treatment and so you have an opportunity to ask me any questions you may have.
Depending on the situation, the call usually lasts about 20 minutes and is free of charge.
Subsequent Appointments
Following the initial phone call, if you would like to book you teenager or child into see me, we will arrange the initial appointment which will last an hour, with subsequent regular follow up visits being 30 minutes.
Initial Consultation & Treatment
1hr
£75
Parent/Guardian and child to be present
Follow Up Appointments
30 minutes
£45
Parent/Guardian don't have to be in the room (the teen/child will decide) but please remain on the premises