Children's Tuina & Moxibustion
Gentle Chinese treatment for children, entirely without needles – tuina massage and mild moxa warmth, adapted to your child's age. From age 3, 30 to 45 minutes.
Children’s tuina and children’s moxibustion are part of traditional Chinese paediatrics. Both work entirely without needles: tuina is a gentle, rhythmic massage using hand techniques developed for children, and in moxibustion mild warmth from dried mugwort is guided over the skin at a safe distance. Most children find both pleasant.
How a session works
A parent stays in the room throughout – your child remains close to you and may sit or lie down, whichever feels comfortable. We start by talking through the situation calmly, and I look at the tongue and take the pulse. The treatment itself takes only a few minutes per area; in total we plan 30 to 45 minutes, depending on age and how the day is going. Nothing happens against your child’s will: when they have had enough, we stop.
From what age?
I treat children from the age of 3. For complaints in infancy, please consult your paediatrician.
In TCM, children’s tuina and moxibustion are traditionally used in a complementary way – they do not replace paediatric assessment or treatment. In the case of fever, acute infections or unexplained symptoms, your child belongs in medical care first.
Frequently asked questions from parents
Does it hurt? No. This treatment uses no needles at all – only gentle massage techniques and mild warmth held at a safe distance from the skin. Most children find it pleasant.
Does my child have to keep still? No. We work at the child’s pace; they may sit, lie down or stay on your lap. A book or a cuddly toy is welcome.
May I stay with my child? Yes, always – a parent stays in the room for the whole session.
What should my child wear? Comfortable clothing that is easy to open. For the tuina techniques it is usually enough to briefly uncover the back or tummy.
Should my child eat beforehand? Best not to have a large meal immediately before – a small snack about an hour ahead is ideal.
What if my child doesn’t want to on the day? Then we stop. Nothing happens against the child’s will; we use the time to talk things through with you instead.
When not to treat? In the case of fever, acute infection, broken skin or unexplained symptoms I do not treat – your child belongs with the paediatrician first. Moxa warmth is always held at a safe distance from the skin and never left unattended.
Traditional application areas
- Susceptibility to colds and coughs (traditional use)
- Allergic rhinitis (traditional use)
- Eczema and skin reactions (traditional use)
- Digestive complaints and tummy ache
- Poor appetite
- Restlessness and sleep problems
Variants
Children's tuina (小儿推拿)
A gentle, rhythmic massage using techniques developed specifically for children – over clothing or on the skin, always at the child's pace.
Children's moxibustion (小儿艾灸)
Mild warmth from dried mugwort, guided over the skin at a safe distance – entirely without needles.
