Babies, Children, and Teenagers
Chinese medicine can be adapted to provide gentle, individualised care for babies, children and teenagers.
Children are not simply smaller adults. Their bodies, development and health needs change rapidly, and treatment should always take their age, constitution, medical history and current care into consideration.
Depending on the child and their presentation, I may use gentle paediatric TuiNa, acupressure, acupuncture, moxibustion, dietary guidance or Chinese herbal medicine. Treatment is adapted carefully to age and individual needs, and acupuncture needles are not always necessary — particularly with younger children.
Parents commonly seek complementary support for concerns involving digestion, sleep, respiratory health, skin, recurrent minor illnesses and general wellbeing. Chinese medicine treatment is individually prescribed rather than based simply on the name of a condition.
Chinese medicine should complement, rather than replace, appropriate paediatric medical care. Unexplained, persistent or concerning symptoms should always be medically assessed, and I am happy to work alongside a child’s GP, paediatrician or other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
Working with children requires flexibility, patience and trust.
Consultations and treatments are adapted to the child rather than expecting the child to adapt to the treatment. With babies and younger children, sessions are generally shorter and may focus on gentle touch, TuiNa, acupressure and simple techniques that parents can continue at home.
As children grow, other aspects of Chinese medicine can be introduced where appropriate and with their comfort and consent always in mind.
My aim is to make treatment feel safe, calm and positive for both the child and their parents.
