Oakland Pediatric Acupuncture: Gentle, Effective Care for Kids
- Kim Peirano, DACM, LAc, CHt
- Jan 16, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Pediatric acupuncture is a safe, gentle, and effective approach to support children’s health and well-being. While similar in many ways to adult acupuncture, pediatric treatments are uniquely adapted to meet the needs of growing bodies and sensitive nervous systems. At our Oakland clinic, Dr. Kim offers specialized pediatric kids acupuncture sessions designed to calm, balance, and support children—without the need for needles in many cases.
What Makes Pediatric Acupuncture Different?
Children’s bodies are constantly growing and changing. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this means their meridian systems—the energetic pathways we work with in acupuncture—are still developing. Because of this, pediatric acupuncture uses different tools and techniques than adult treatments.
Rather than inserting traditional needles, we often use:
Shonishin (Japanese pediatric acupuncture tools)
Contact needles (non-insertive tools that stimulate points without breaking the skin)
Acupressure and massage
Energy work and gentle balancing techniques
Hypnosis and coaching
These treatments are painless and typically well-tolerated by kids, even infants.
While the idea of needles can sometimes sound scary, most kids tolerate needling treatments quite well, even patients as young as 5 or 6 years old! We use finer gauge needles for our pediatric patients, and the needling usually isn't retained for long periods of time, making it a quick and easy session.
Common Pediatric Conditions Treated with Oakland Kids Acupuncture
Pediatric acupuncture can support a wide variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral conditions in children. Common concerns we address include:
Injury recovery support
Digestive issues (constipation, colic, nausea, food sensitivities)
Sleep disturbances or nightmares
Allergies and asthma
Eczema and skin rashes
Frequent colds or low immunity
Behavioral concerns or focus challenges
Bedwetting or potty training issues
Pain and injury recovery
Each treatment is tailored to your child’s age, temperament, and specific health concerns.
What If My Child is Scared?
It’s common for children to feel nervous about trying something new. Our pediatric kid's acupuncture treatments in Oakland aren't like going to the doctor or dentist—there are no shots, and treatments don’t have to use needles at all. We encourage parents to frame it as a fun, and maybe weird, new experience.
Dr. Kim has a calming presence and a natural ability to connect with children. Many young patients who arrive nervous or upset are often smiling, relaxed, and asking for more by the end of the session. We always honor your child’s comfort level and work at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
Hypnosis for Kids: A Gentle Mind-Body Support Tool
In addition to acupuncture, pediatric hypnosis can be a wonderful complement to care. Hypnosis is a safe, evidence-based method that helps kids tap into their imagination and inner resources to create change.
Children are naturally imaginative and respond well to hypnotherapy, which can help with:
Managing anxiety or fears
Bedwetting and sleep issues
Pain management
Confidence building
Preparation for medical procedures
Dr. Kim is a certified hypnotherapist and offers child-friendly, age-appropriate hypnosis sessions that feel like storytelling or guided imagination.
Support for the Whole Family
When a child receives acupuncture, the healing often extends to the entire family. Chronic illness, behavioral issues, or emotional stress can impact parents deeply. Pediatric acupuncture sessions offer not just support for your child, but a moment of peace, validation, and healing for you as well.
Dr. Kim often says healing begins the moment you make the appointment—and that’s especially true for families. In some cases, she may recommend treatments for parents to help balance the energetic dynamic in the household and support the overall healing process.
Book an Oakland Kids Acupuncture Session
Pediatric acupuncture in Oakland is available for children under age 13. For teens 13 and older, we recommend a standard First-Time Acupuncture visit. Treatments are always adjusted to your child’s age, condition, and comfort level—and yes, we treat babies too!
Ready to see if pediatric acupuncture can help your child thrive? Click the button below to book your appointment today.
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