05:45 PM PST on Sunday, December 19, 2004

By JEAN ENERSEN / KING 5 News

Not long ago, doctors diagnosed Oliver Hyatt with cystic fibrosis.

"He was having this cough that was deep, deep in there. He didn't seem to be able to get it out," said Oliver's mom, Bernadine.

Drugs help keep his lungs clear, but he also gets something else - acupuncture.

KING

Acupuncture helped Oliver breathe and sleep better, even though it comes with a few tears.

"His breathing is fantastic. It's much better than it's ever been since the day he was born," said Bernadine.

"It's a little bit of a tough sell for children -- to use needles to make them better," said Dr. Oded Herbsman.

The kids may not be sold, but Dr. Herbsman is. He uses acupuncture to treat chronic illnesses.

"Nausea from chemotherapy I do, and for post-op nausea we've used it, use it a lot for headaches, migraines, back pain," he said.

The needles are believed to boost the body's immune system. It's common among adults, but a growing number of doctors believe children can also benefit from acupuncture.

"I don't believe that it's placebo, nor do I believe that it's the power of suggestion. I believe that it helps," said Dr. Herbsman.

It helped Oliver breathe and sleep better, even though it comes with a few tears.

"He might cry and howl right now, but I think in the long run, he's going to get used to it. I don't think it's going to be a big deal for him anymore," said Bernadine.

And mom says it's a small price to pay for relief.

Dr. Herbsman says the needles he uses on the children are very thin, almost as fine as a hair.

Doctors say acupuncture is safe and does not pose any serious side effects.