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Neuroscience-Informed Acupuncture & Integrative Care in Santa Cruz
Evidence-based acupuncture, electroacupuncture, herbal medicine, and microneedling for pain, injury recovery, metabolic health, and skin rejuvenation.
Now accepting Medi-Cal & Central California Alliance for Health!
Pediatric Acupuncture in Santa Cruz
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ava Zack, DAcHM, LAc - Doctor of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
Pediatric Acupuncture
The word "acupuncture" and the word "child" don't seem to belong in the same sentence to most parents — and that's a fair reaction. So let me clear up the most common worry right away: pediatric acupuncture is gentle, child-paced, and often involves no needles at all. The goal is always for your child to feel safe and comfortable, and treatment is built entirely around that.
Parents typically bring their kids in for things that affect daily life and aren't fully resolved by conventional care — trouble sleeping, anxiety and big feelings, tummy troubles, headaches — and want a gentle, drug-free option to try alongside their pediatrician's care.
What Gentle Pediatric Treatment Looks Like
Children are far more responsive than adults and need far less stimulation, so pediatric treatment looks very different from an adult session:
Often completely needle-free. For younger children especially, I use techniques like shonishin (a Japanese pediatric method using gentle stroking and tapping with smooth tools, no insertion), acupressure, and gentle massage. Many kids experience real benefit without a single needle.
When needles are used, they're barely-there. For older children comfortable with it, needles are exceptionally fine and placed only briefly. Nothing happens that your child isn't ready for, and you're in the room throughout.
Built around your child's comfort. Sessions are short, calm, and paced to your child. A scared or overwhelmed child isn't going to benefit, so making treatment feel safe isn't just kindness — it's how the treatment works.
Alongside your pediatrician, never instead of. This is essential: pediatric acupuncture complements your child's medical care. It is not a substitute for your pediatrician, vaccinations, prescribed treatment, or emergency care. Any sign that your child needs medical evaluation, I'll tell you directly. I'm glad to coordinate with your pediatrician.
What Parents Bring Their Kids In For
Common reasons include sleep difficulties, anxiety and stress (including school-related), digestive complaints like tummy aches and constipation, headaches, and supporting kids through stressful periods. Every child is different, and the first visit is as much about understanding your child and your goals as anything else.
What Treatment Looks Like
Your first visit (about 60 minutes). Mostly conversation — your child's history, what's going on, what you've tried, and what your pediatrician has advised — plus a gentle, low-key first treatment so your child learns the space is safe. Parents stay throughout.
Follow-up sessions. Children often respond more quickly than adults, so courses of treatment tend to be shorter. We'll set a plan and a realistic check-in point at the first visit, and track how your child is doing in the ways that matter to you.
What Patients Say
“Ava is knowledgeable, responsive and easy to work with. She provides a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Not only is she committed to her practice but she works hard to support her client's wellness goals.” — Bonny Doon patient
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pediatric acupuncture use needles? Will it hurt my child? Often there are no needles at all — for younger children I primarily use needle-free techniques like shonishin (gentle tools, stroking and tapping), acupressure, and massage. When fine needles are used with older, comfortable children, they're barely felt and placed only briefly. Your child's comfort always comes first.
How old does my child need to be? Gentle, needle-free techniques can be appropriate from a young age. The approach is always matched to your child's age, temperament, and comfort. The best first step is a conversation about your specific child.
What can pediatric acupuncture help with? Parents commonly seek care for sleep, anxiety and stress, digestive issues, and headaches, among others. It's offered as a complement to your pediatrician's care, not a replacement for it.
Will you work with our pediatrician? Yes, gladly. Pediatric acupuncture is meant to work alongside your child's medical care, and I'm happy to coordinate. It never replaces your pediatrician, prescribed treatment, or emergency care.
Do I stay in the room? Always. You're with your child for the entire session — your presence is part of what helps them feel safe.
Is treatment covered by Medi-Cal? We are now accepting Medi-Cal. Contact us and we'll help you understand your coverage before your first visit.
Book a Pediatric Consultation
If you're looking for a gentle option for your child, let's talk about whether it's a good fit.
