Short answer: community acupuncture at Key Element in Westminster happens in the Acu-Lounge, a shared, quiet room with three zero gravity chairs that costs less than a private room, so established patients can come more often. Pediatric acupuncture uses Shonishin, a gentle, needle-free Japanese style in which small tools tap and brush points on the skin, so children stay comfortable.
Beyond the private treatment room, Key Element offers two other ways in: a shared room built for regular, affordable visits, and a gentle style of acupuncture for babies and children. Here is how each works.
What is community acupuncture?
Community acupuncture means being treated in a shared space rather than a private room. At Key Element that space is the Acu-Lounge, with three zero gravity spa chairs that take the pressure off your back, knees and neck. Because the room is shared, the cost is lower and you can come more often.
Conversation is kept to a minimum and hushed, since others will be in the room for part of your treatment. Many people bring ear buds for music, a meditation or a podcast.
Why choose the Acu-Lounge over a private room?
Acupuncture tends to work better with regularity, and the Acu-Lounge exists so that cost is not what decides how often you get treated. It suits you if:
- You want a tune up and do not need to discuss major health changes this visit.
- You want to come more often, and cost is what holds you back.
- Lying flat is uncomfortable, for example in pregnancy; the chairs let you stay upright.
- You are bringing someone, such as a partner or a nervous friend, to be treated side by side.
If you need time to talk something through, book a private room instead.
The Acu-Lounge is a good fit for ongoing stress and anxiety care, and for maintenance once pain has settled, since both benefit from turning up regularly.
How does booking the Acu-Lounge work?
- Start in a private room. Your first visit is private, with a full intake.
- Book online after that. Once established, you can book Acu-Lounge appointments online.
- Come dressed for it in loose clothes that roll up past the elbows and knees, then settle into the chair.
How much does community acupuncture cost?
The Acu-Lounge costs less than a private room. Acu-Lounge rates are not published online, so call (720) 443-2248 for the current price. For comparison, a private first visit is $145 including the full intake, and private follow-ups are $95, or $110 with cupping. See our acupuncture price guide for the Denver area for insurance super-bills and HSA and FSA tips.
What is pediatric acupuncture (Shonishin)?
Shonishin is a gentle, non-invasive style of pediatric acupuncture for infants and children, developed in Japan in the 1700s. Instead of inserting needles, Autumn uses small tools to stimulate points and meridians by tapping or brushing the skin. In Chinese medicine terms, needles are not needed because a child’s qi is so easy to access.
That same ease means a child’s qi is easily disrupted, which is why regular visits are part of the approach. Because it is not painful, many children look forward to it.
What ages is Shonishin for?
Key Element describes Shonishin as suitable for infants as young as one month and children up to about ten years old. Once a child is around 8 to 10, Autumn encourages slowly switching to needles. If a child is nervous about needles, she works with them so it is not a scary experience, and she has found that kids often get excited about adding a needle or two.
What do parents bring children in for?
Shonishin aims to strengthen a child’s constitution and support the immune system. Parents most often bring children in for:
- A weak constitution, frequent colds and coughs
- Digestive health, including reflux, constipation and diarrhea
- Night terrors and sleep issues
- Behavior, hyperactivity and focus
- Allergies and asthma
- Eczema, hives and other skin concerns
- Ear infections and bedwetting
Shonishin is meant to work alongside your child’s regular medical care, not replace it. Talk with your pediatrician about any ongoing health concern, keep them informed that your child is having acupuncture, and never stop a prescribed treatment because of it. If your child has trouble breathing, a high fever or any other urgent symptom, call your pediatrician or 911.
What are full moon treatments?
A full moon treatment is a Shonishin treatment held monthly at the full moon, designed as a balancing treatment aimed at strengthening the child’s constitution and supporting immunity. Your child does not need to be sick to come in.
What should parents expect at a pediatric visit?
- You are there and you decide. A parent or guardian gives consent for treatment and stays involved. Autumn explains what she plans to do before doing it.
- It is gentle. Shonishin uses tapping and brushing, not needles, and is not painful.
- Tell Autumn about your child’s health. Share any diagnoses, medications and what your pediatrician has advised.
- Not sure it is the right fit? Call and Autumn will talk through whether Shonishin suits your child.
Who provides the treatment?
Every treatment is given by Autumn Jensen, L.Ac., MSOM: a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado, a Diplomate of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (NCCAOM), and a Nationally Certified Chinese Herbalist, with a Masters of Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College, more than 3,000 hours of education, and over 1,000 hours of clinical practice.
Autumn also studied at the Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine Hospital in Harbin, China, including its Pediatrics department.
Where is Key Element Acupuncture?
Key Element Acupuncture is at 9035 Wadsworth Pkwy, Suite 3450, Westminster, CO 80021, inside the Silo Office Building at 90th and Wadsworth. It sits just off Highway 36 between Denver and Boulder, and patients come from Westminster, Broomfield, Arvada, Thornton and across the north Denver metro. Hours are Monday 11:00am to 5:00pm, Tuesday 9:00am to 1:00pm, Wednesday 1:00pm to 6:00pm, and Thursday 11:00am to 4:00pm. Call (720) 443-2248 if you cannot find a time online, because Autumn will do her best to fit you in.
Frequently asked questions
What is community acupuncture?
Community acupuncture means being treated in a shared room rather than a private one. At Key Element that room is the Acu-Lounge, with three zero gravity spa chairs. Because the space is shared, it costs less than a private room, so you can come more often.
Can I book the Acu-Lounge as a new patient?
Not for your first visit. New patients book a private room so there is time and privacy to go through your health history and goals. After that first appointment you can book Acu-Lounge visits online.
How much does the Acu-Lounge cost?
The Acu-Lounge is the more affordable option compared with a private room. Current Acu-Lounge rates are not listed online, so call (720) 443-2248. Private first visits are $145 and private follow-ups are $95.
Does pediatric acupuncture use needles?
Not usually. Shonishin, the pediatric style Autumn uses, is needle-free: small tools tap and brush points on the skin instead. From around age 8 to 10, Autumn encourages slowly switching to needles, and only at a pace the child is comfortable with.
What ages is Shonishin for?
Shonishin is for infants and children. Key Element describes it as suitable for infants as young as one month and children up to about ten years old, with a gradual move to needles from around age 8 to 10.
This article is general educational information, not medical advice. It does not replace an evaluation by your own health care provider. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.