What to expect
Assessment and diagnosis
Your child's first appointment will take about an hour, and a full history will be taken. It may be necessary to remove some clothing so that an examination of the back or abdomen can be carried out. Pulses, (three on each wrist) and the tongue will also be observed before forming a diagnosis.
Treatment
A very fine, sterile acupuncture needle (about the width of a hair) is inserted into each selected point. The number and location of points depends on the energy level of your child and the condition being treated.
In young children and babies the needles stay in for only a few moments. In older children they may be retained for five minutes or so. The treatment is not painful although some babies cry or struggle at the intrusion as with having their face washed or nails cut, but are easily and quickly consoled.
The number of treatments depends on your child's energy and the relative severity if the illness. In most cases it takes between 1-10 visits.
