A typical first treatment for a child is similar to an adult in that it is a chance for us to meet. That first treatment will last from 30 minutes to 60 min  to give us a chance to talk and go over all of your concerns. After that, treatments usually last from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the age of the child. For that first appointment, we will sit down and chat about the issues you are seeking care for.

Depending on the age and personality of the child, sometimes the parent will do lots of explaining and answering questions, sometimes the child, and often it will be a combination of what the child feels and the parent sees. Kids usually like to play while we are all talking and we can usually just transition into treatment by engaging them in whatever they are playing with. After talking, a lot of kids are ready to jump up on the treatment table and begin, but if the child seems hesitant or wary, it’s easy to just get down on the floor and play with them at their level while beginning the treatment.

ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBS FOR KIDS

 We begin by just pressing on the acupuncture points, or using acupressure or a microcurrent or tuning forks. This helps them to get comfortable. Just like adults, it is so important that they feel comfortable and safe. With this in mind, every treatment does look slightly different, as it is tailored to fit the needs and health issues of each child. Some kids like to sit on mom or dad’s lap on the treatment table, others prefer to lay back like adults and relax. Some kids, often the 2-4 year olds, just like to play on the floor while they are treated.

After the treatment, I may apply some ear seeds, which are little metal balls held on by clear plastic tape that sit on specific points on the outside of the ear. These points can be pressed on in the week following the treatment and they serve to reinforce what we have done in treatment, to remind the body of the balance we have created. For younger kids, we will often apply a few of these ear seeds to body points, meaning points on the arms and legs. These are used as reminders or markers for the parents and can be pressed on at home, often before bed and first thing in the morning, serving that same purpose of carrying over the treatment.

After the treatment, I study the case and assess what lifestyle, diet or herbs, homeopathy or supplements might help support the treatment.  This will be given on the follow-up if not sooner. 

Children usually get better very quickly.  Certain disorders will take a longer course of treatment, but you and your child should notice a change and improvement after the first one or two treatments.

Kids love the treatments!