What happens at an appointment?
Initial Visit: The cost is $50 and lasts approximately one hour.
The first appointment includes a detailed discussion of the health of your child and the problems that are occurring. We will do a health evaluation and discuss a treatment plan with you. We will determine if we can help your child or if there is need for a referral. Your child will receive an acupuncture treatment.
For young children and babies, a mother or father's lap is the best place for the child while they receive treatment.
We accept cash or check only. Metered parking is available on University Avenue and Raymond Avenue for 25 cents per half hour. If you park two blocks north or south of the clinic on Raymond Ave, there is free street parking. Once you enter the building, please take the stairs or the elevator to the second floor.
Follow up visit: The cost is $35 and lasts approximately one half hour.
Individual or Family Packages: $150 for 5 sessions.
Herbal consulation is included in the prices listed above, but herbal medicine is available at an additional cost.
Our clinic is designed specifically for children, and we strive to make your appointment a pleasant and positive experience.
Why would I bring my child for acupuncture?
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been used to treat children for thousands of years in China and other Asian countries. It is a successful, time-tested method of treating many health issues. Acupuncture and the other techniques listed have been known to help:
Asthma, colds, frequent respiratory illnesses, allergies, acne, eczema and skin conditions, ear infections, sinus problems, headaches and migraines, digestive disorders including colic, constipation, and diarrhea, sleep problems and insomnia, anxiety and hyperactivity, bedwetting, menstrual problems, depression, pain and injuries, side effects of cancer treatment and drugs, and stress.
Some may worry that acupuncture is too painful or too traumatic for children and babies. Compared to Western medicine, which may involve the insertion of much larger needles for tests and vaccines, acupuncture is nearly painless and indeed a much more gentle technique. Remember that most children do not have the fear of pain that adults hold. Life is full of discomfort in the early years whether it is a wet diaper, falling down, indigestion, or having their faces washed. The benefits of holistic medicine far outweigh any concerns a parent may have about the child being uncomfortable.
Acupuncture and holistic medicine offer a safe, natural way to assist the health and healing of the body.
What does acupuncture do?
It activates the body’s innate natural healing ability. Children heal much more easily and quickly than adults. If problems are addressed early in life, it is much easier to correct the imbalances that are causing the problems.
Does it hurt?
The needles are smaller than the width of three hairs, and insertion is quick and gentle. Commonly, there is no pain or only brief discomfort. If there is any discomfort, it is usually compared to a “mosquito bite,” meaning that the pain is minor and fleeting. At our clinic, we use puppets, smiles, books, and songs to distract the young patients. Babies and very young children may not need needles at all or the needle may be inserted and removed almost immediately. If the needles are retained, they may be left in for a few minutes or up to 30 minutes for older children and teens.
The retention of needles causes relaxation and the release of endorphins. Most people enjoy this relaxation time!
What gauge are the needles?
When most people think of needles, they think about the needles used for shots or vaccinations. These are very thick needles. The needles we use are a much smaller diameter and are only superficially inserted into the skin.