Children & Teens

Gentle, child-friendly acupuncture for babies, children and teens using a range of age-appropriate techniques.

Gentle care for your child

I offer paediatric acupuncture in Papamoa with a deep respect for each child's natural capacity to grow, adapt, and thrive. Childhood is a time of rapid development, and gentle treatment can provide valuable support while the body's systems are still growing and maturing.

My approach is calm, developmentally appropriate, and tailored to each child's individual needs and stage of development, focusing on healthy digestion, restful sleep, a resilient immune system, and emotional wellbeing.

Many children are treated without needles at all. Treatment is always adapted to your child's age, personality and comfort.

How Acupuncture May Help

Families seek paediatric acupuncture for a wide range of childhood concerns, including:

Colic, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, and other digestive concerns
Sleep difficulties and unsettled sleep
Recurrent coughs, colds, ear infections, and immune support
Allergies, asthma, and hay fever
Eczema and other skin conditions
Anxiety, stress, emotional regulation, and hyperactivity
Headaches and growing pains
Bedwetting and urinary concerns
Support for teenagers experiencing menstrual health concerns

Every child is different, so treatment is always individualised and designed to complement the care provided by your GP, paediatrician, or other healthcare professionals.

Children are treated respectfully, at their own pace, and always with the support of their whānau.

Gentle Techniques for Every Child

Every child is different, so treatment is chosen to suit their age, personality and comfort level. Depending on what's appropriate, I may use one or more of the following:

Shōnishin (non-insertive Japanese paediatric acupuncture)
Paediatric tui na massage
Cupping
Gentle electrical stimulation ("the tickle machine")

What Does Paediatric Acupuncture Look Like?

If you're wondering what treatment for children actually involves, this short video gives a helpful introduction to the gentle techniques commonly used in paediatric acupuncture. It was produced by The Hub of Paediatric Acupuncture (HOPA), an international organisation dedicated to promoting high standards in children's acupuncture. As a HOPA member, I'm pleased to share it here. While it wasn't filmed in my clinic, it reflects the calm, child-friendly approach I aim to provide for every family.

What Happens at the First Appointment?

Every child is different.

Some are happy to chat straight away, while others need a little time to settle into a new environment. That's perfectly normal. The first appointment is about getting to know your child, understanding what's been happening, and deciding together on the best way to support them.

We'll spend time talking about their health, development, and what has brought you here. If treatment feels right on the day, we'll choose an approach that suits your child's age, personality, and comfort level. Sometimes that involves gentle needle techniques, sometimes Shōnishin or massage, and sometimes it's simply about building trust first.

Parents often tell me they're surprised by how relaxed their child feels.

Children are wonderfully responsive, and treatment is always adapted to their age, stage of development, and individual needs. My aim is never simply to treat a symptom, but to support your child's health in a way that feels calm, comfortable, and positive.

Older children and teenagers are treated with the same gentle, individual approach, while respecting their growing independence and encouraging them to take an active role in their care.