Frequently Asked Questions

During the first session, Rebecca’s goals are to diagnose your child’s condition and begin building rapport with them.

She will ask you – and your child, if appropriate – questions about their current health and medical history. Throughout, she observes signs important in Chinese medicine, such as your child’s eyes, voice tone, complexion, and posture.

Rebecca may also check your child’s tongue, take their pulse, and gently examine their abdomen or back.

Rebecca understands that many children feel nervous about their first acupuncture appointment. She takes care to help them feel safe and relaxed, engaging in age-appropriate conversations about their hobbies, pets, and school life.

This not only puts your child at ease but also provides valuable context for her diagnosis, as symptoms are always understood in the context of the whole child.

Rebecca explains each step to your child beforehand, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed.

If your child is happy to try needles, Rebecca uses a ‘child-friendly’ technique with incredibly fine needles that are almost pain-free. For children under seven, the needles are inserted and withdrawn immediately, so they don’t need to stay still.

If your child prefers not to use needles, Rebecca will employ alternative no-needle methods. Each session is tailored to your child’s needs, with a focus on balancing effective treatment and a positive experience.

Rebecca uses a range of non-invasive techniques when treating children, including acupressure, tui na massage, gentle Japanese methods such as stroking and tapping with small metal instruments, and moxibustion. Her experience shows that most children enjoy these treatments and find them calming and comfortable.

When needles are the most beneficial option, Rebecca uses incredibly fine needles that are virtually painless. She has successfully treated many children who were initially wary or frightened of needles. By building trust and establishing a strong rapport, she gently introduces the idea of trying one needle, and children are often surprised at how easy and painless it feels, becoming more confident in the treatment.

Rebecca understands that it’s counterproductive for a child to feel anxious or worried about coming for treatment. Her flexible, child-centred approach prioritises creating a positive experience tailored to each child’s unique tolerance levels. Ensuring that every child feels safe and comfortable during treatment is central to her practice, and she works tirelessly to make this a reality.

Rebecca has treated pre-term babies soon after birth, though she rarely uses needles on a baby until they are about three months old.

No baby is too young to benefit from treatment!

Yes, they can! At The Panda Clinic, there is a waiting room with space to accommodate siblings and other family members.

Children can relax on a sofa after a long day at school, do some colouring, or play with toys.

This depends on many factors, and there are very few general rules. At the first session, Rebecca will discuss how often she thinks your child needs to be seen and how many sessions may be required for them to feel better.

If her opinion changes at any point during treatment, she will let you know.

Most children start with a series of weekly appointments. Once their condition shows clear improvement, appointments can become less frequent.

From an acupuncture perspective, children are relatively ‘yang’ beings, meaning their qi (energy) is very responsive and dynamic. As a result, they generally respond quickly to treatment.

Lifestyle advice is an important part of your child’s treatment.

Rebecca works with parents to sift through conflicting advice on topics like diet, sleep, and routines to pinpoint what’s most relevant to their child’s health.

The goal is to provide practical, tailored suggestions to support your child’s wellbeing.

Rebecca may recommend simple home treatments for you to perform daily with your child.

If so, she will provide clear, detailed instructions to ensure you feel confident and supported in continuing their care between sessions.