Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in a consultation?
The initial consultation takes 60 minutes. The symptoms, medical history, dietary preferences and lifestyle will be discussed, then the pulses are felt and the tongue observed. This allows a TCM diagnosis to be made and needles (or moxa, cupping) are administered, usually for 20-30 minutes. 12-20 needles are typical used in one treatment.
Future appointments take 45 minutes, with briefer consultations then the initial appointment.
The number of visits required is determined by a variety factors. As a general rule 1 to 5 treatments is required for simple conditions, and up to 20 for more chronic conditions. The longer the condition has occured, the level of medication, and lifestyle all effect rate of treatment.
When should I seek treatment for my child?
A healthy child will eat well, sleep well and play happily (and noisily). When a child is sick, then they frequently become miserable, have disturbed sleep, and can lose their appetites. The parents are affected by the worry and lack of sleep.
As quickly as childrens’ moods change, so does their health. With acupuncture the improvements in many conditions can be equally dramatic.
The sooner acupuncture treatment is considered, the faster the condition will improve. There is general concern amoungst parents of the repeated and long term use of conventional medicines (for example inhalers, antibiotics, corticosteroids). Acupuncture is an holistic treatment that will treat the causes of the condition, as well as relieving the symptoms, with no side effects. While receiving acupuncture the body will strengthen, thereby allowing less and less medication to be used. PLEASE NOTE that any alteration in medication should be carried out under the supervision of the practitioner who prescribed them.
What does the consultation involve for my child?
The initial consultation takes 45 to 60 minutes. The child’s symptoms, medical history, dietary preferences and lifestyle will be discussed.
The child is treated whilst sitting on the parents lap, the 4 to 8 needles are administered and removed (unlike with adults they are left in for 20-30 minutes).
Future consultations take 20 to 30 minutes.
The number of visits required is determined by a variety factors. As a general rule 1 to 5 treatments is required for simple conditions, and up to 20 for more chronic conditions. The longer the condition has occured, the older the child, the level of medication, and lifestyle all effect rate of treatment.
What sort of treatment will my child receive?:
The most comfortable place for a child to receive treatment is sitting on their parent’s lap. Children over 7 years are comfortable sitting in a chair or lying on the treatment couch. The initial sensation of needling is unusual for the child but the needles are only briefly applied and the child is easily distracted. The bond between parent and child is strong and sometimes the anxieties of a parent can unsettle a child at the initial consultation so please feel free to phone and discuss any concerns you have.
Needles, acupressure, cupping and moxabustion are all methods of treatment available to the acupuncturist.
What sort of needles will be used and what is Acupressure, Cupping and Moxa?
The needles are sterile, disposable, fine and stainless steel. There may be an initial sensation but the needle is 20 times finer than that used in vaccinations. The level of objection can be comparable to having their nose wiped. 4-8 needles are used.
Acupressure is the application of pressure on the specific points along the meridians.
Cupping refers to the use of suction cups which are applied to the points. The sensation can be one of massage and therefore quite pleasant. Only used on children over 5 years old.
Moxabustion (commonly known as moxa) is the mugwort herb, rolled into a cigar shape, which is used to warm certain points gently.