Jill Storstein
Acupuncture & Nutrition

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Paediatric acupuncture is a very versatile therapy that can be used for a wide range of conditions – both chronic and acute. The approach with children is very gentle and is adapted according to your child’s age, needs and constitutional background.

What is treatment like?

Acupuncture doesn’t always involve needles. A gentle needle technique is usually the fastest and most effective method of treatment. I use a special desensitising technique so that the needle is barely felt, if at all. With younger children the needles are only inserted very briefly and quickly removed. The length of time increases with the age of the child. I use very few needles and the finest most pain free needles available. They are Japanese sterilised, single use, hypoallergenic, Seirin needles. They are very thin and very flexible. If your child really doesn’t want to have needles, there are other methods of treatment that we can use such as tui na (a form of Chinese massage), acupressure, laser treatment or moxabustion (heat therapy).

I always take time to build trust with you and your child and we only ever treat with your child’s permission. I have three children of my own and believe strongly that children should be respected and listened to with care and compassion.

Your child doesn’t need to sit still during the session and the treatment room is child friendly with toys. However, it is a good idea to bring a couple of favourite toys along or a book.

Why do children have acupuncture?

Acupuncture is very versatile and has its own diagnostic framework that can be applied to any presenting condition or symptoms. It can be used for chronic and acute conditions and can be used whether or not you have a formal diagnosis from your doctor. Some people use acupuncture because they want to reduce their reliance on pharmaceutical medications or are looking for another way to treat an ongoing chronic condition. Acupuncture is a safe, drug-free, natural method of working with your child’s natural ability to heal.

Lifestyle and Dietary Advice

A key element of successfully treating children is understanding factors that might be affecting your child’s health. Children’s digestive systems are not fully developed, some foods can be more difficult for their underdeveloped systems to process and can be easily thrown off balance. Each child is different and some may be more sensitive to some foods than others. Chinese medicine principals can help to identify foods that may be contributing to your child’s condition and suggest foods that might suit them better. We also consider what your child is like constitutionally. Broadly speaking Chinese medicine considers children to fall on a spectrum between being very active and full of energy and those who are naturally much more quiet and introverted. Understanding what child’s constitution is like can help you to adjust their lifestyle to suit them.

How much will it cost for my child

The first appointment is charged at the same rate as an adult appointment because it is likely to take a full hour. There are a lot of questions to go through and I need to take time to make your child (and you) feel comfortable and safe. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter and can therefore be charged at a reduced rate.

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Paediatric acupuncture is available at the Aberfeldy Clinic only

First Appointment: 1 hour @ £45

Follow-up appointments: up to 30 mins @ £25

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Please note that paediatric acupuncture is currently only available to children of parents who are already patients with Jill Storstein. 

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It is not possible to treat young children at the Albany Street Clinic. If you are interested in acupuncture for your older child at the Albany Street Clinic in Edinburgh, please get in touch.