One woman is offering alternative healthcare for the price of a meal.

Routine checkup: $200. Blood tests: $550. Emergency operation: don't ask. The price of healthcare could just about make you sick.

We feel your pain--and so does licensed acupuncturist Carolyn Leigh. Leigh, who also holds a master's degree in Chinese medicine, knew her work could make a difference in people's lives. But at $95 a pop, the treatment was off-limits to most folks. Well, that's life, right? Holistic healthcare is for the rich.

No way, says Leigh. From now through September, this practitioner-for-the-people is cutting her rate to $25. And when she reaches 110 appointments per month (enough to meet her expenses), she'll give $5 from each payment to help babies in Africa. Leigh is even offering extended office hours (8AM to 9PM, seven days a week) so both early birds and latecomers can benefit.

Still sore about healthcare costs? Turn to massage therapist James Beene, who works in the same office and, inspired by Leigh, has decided to offer packages of three one-hour massages for $99 (that's $33 per session).

If Leigh gets enough patients, she'll consider keeping her crazy-low rate even longer.

We feel better already.

Oak Tree Healers, 8961 Sunset Blvd., Suite 2E, West Hollywood, (310) 365-6855, MAP