One of the first questions parents ask is, "Will my child need needles?"

The answer is: often, no.

Paediatric acupuncture is quite different from acupuncture for adults. Rather than using the same techniques on a smaller person, treatment is adapted to a child's age, development, temperament, and individual needs. The aim is always to create a calm, positive experience where children feel safe and comfortable.

One of the most widely used approaches is Shōnishin, a traditional Japanese paediatric treatment that uses specially designed, non-insertive instruments to gently stroke, tap, or stimulate the skin. Nothing penetrates the skin, and many children find the treatment relaxing or even enjoyable.

Another gentle technique is Tui Na, a form of therapeutic massage that can be particularly helpful for babies and younger children. Depending on the child's age and the reason for treatment, very fine acupuncture needles may also be used with older children, but only when appropriate and with the child's and parent's consent.

Rather than focusing on a single symptom, paediatric acupuncture considers the child's overall health and development. Sleep, digestion, energy, emotions, immunity, and growth are all closely connected, and treatment is tailored to support the whole child.

Appointments are usually shorter than adult treatments and move at the child's pace. Parents remain with their child throughout, and there is always time to explain what we're doing and help children feel at ease.

More than a thousand years ago, the physician Sun Simiao wrote:

"When treating children, one must be especially gentle, for they are the most precious of beings."

That philosophy continues to guide paediatric acupuncture today. Every child is different, and every treatment begins by meeting them where they are.