HOW IS SHONISHIN PERFORMED?

Shonishin is performed by using the tools to tap, stroke, brush, rub or press on specific acupoints, body areas, and channel lines. Shonishin in practice looks like a playful massage and children are usually very curious with the tools that Dr. Rodriguez uses to conduct the treatment.  Treatment sessions are generally short in duration, ranging from 15-20 minutes and can follow the child’s movements, so the techniques engage the child and allow them to wiggle about too.  Dr. Rodriguez can even perform the treatment on babies while they are nursing.

HOW DOES SHONISHIN WORK?

Shonishin works by gently stimulating the child’s skin to regulate the nervous system and harmonize the vital energy in the body called “Qi” (pronounced “chee”).  The treatment is tailored to the child after an initial intake interview where a medical history is discussed with the parent and the clinician determines a diagnosis rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  If the child’s medical history is extensive, we recommend discussing the intake with the child not  present (this could be arrange before the session, by phone with completed intake forms).

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, babies are born with an excess of Yang energy, which makes their symptoms sudden and sometimes intense.  You can see this when a child runs a very high fever, has projectile vomiting, or explosive diarrhea.  This same Yang energy also helps children be very responsive to Shonishin treatment which can sedate or calm down the excess energy and tonify or strengthen the immature systems that are weak during illness or just the constitution of the child.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY CHILD COME IN FOR SHONISHIN THERAPY?

When Shonishin treatment is used to address childhood conditions, weekly treatments are advised.  As the child’s condition improves with Shonishin, nutritional support, sometimes herbal support, and lifestyle adjustments, treatments can be spaced out to 1-2X/month or longer for maintenance and prevention of illness.

HOW DO WE PREPARE FOR A SHONISHIN SESSION FOR MY CHILD?

Once you schedule an appointment for your child, you will be emailed a pediatric intake form, consent form, and Notice of Privacy form.  These should be completed electronically before the appointment day, so Dr. Rodriguez can review and prepare for your child’s session.  

Here are some tips for preparing your child:

• light meal at least an hour before
• wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes
• bring snacks & water
• good night sleep
• avoid caffeine drinks before
• avoid sugary snacks before
• avoid scheduling before another activity 
• assure them they will not be needled

TREATMENT PLAN GUIDANCE

It’s important that your child rest after the session as some children can feel more tired after the treatment.  Dr. Rodriguez will also generally make recommendations on nutrition and lifestyle, tailored to your child’s TCM diagnosis.  Making those changes will go a long way towards giving your child a holistic approach to wellness and helping them improve faster. If you have any questions or concerns before the next session, feel free to send a message through the contact form on this website, or call the clinician directly.

DOES INSURANCE COVER SHONISHIN?

Generally insurance does not cover Pediatric Acupuncture because it is a specialized, non-invasive technique.  With that consideration and generally shorter session time for shonishin therapy, Dr. Rodriguez has adjusted the treatment sessions for children to be lower than standard acupuncture treatment rates.

Redbird Nest Acupuncture will be credentialing to accept insurance plans but is currently not set up to bill insurance. We can provide you with a Superbill to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.  We advise you contact your insurance ahead of scheduling to verify if there is any coverage for acupuncture and any limitations to that coverage ie. deductible to meet first, set number of visits covered. etc.

Alternatively, if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can research if Pediatric Acupuncture is a reimbursable service, and we can help you process that accordingly.