What Is Veterinary Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles into a patient at specific locations resulting in targeted stimulation of the nervous system. The nervous system is the body’s communications network, and it is capable of altering the biochemical and physiologic properties of any intact body system.
Acupuncture can:
- Increase circulation
- Modulate the immune system
- Relieve muscle spasm & pain
- Cause a release of neurochemicals, including endorphins
- Optimize healthy nerve transmission
- Regulate hormone levels
Acupuncture maximizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Even when acupuncture fails to resolve a problem, it may reduce the need for medications and improve quality of life.
What Conditions Respond Well to Acupuncture?
Musculoskeletal Disorders- Arthritis/DJD & hip dysplasia
- Post-operative orthopedic surgery rehab.
- Chronic trigger points (working or agility dogs)
- Neurologic Problems
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Nerve injuries/paralysis
- Skin Problems
- Lick granulomas
- Allergies
- Slow or non-healing wounds
- Gastrointestinal Problems
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Poor appetite
- Feline megacolon
- Other
- Feline asthma
- Urine spraying
- Many other problems…
Is Acupuncture Painful?
For most animals, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. Acupuncture needles are much smaller than the needles used for drawing blood. Once the needles are in place, there should be no pain at all. Actually, many animals become very relaxed or sleepy with their needles.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is performed using sterile, single-use needles which minimizes the possibility of infection. And because acupuncture balances the body’s own system of healing and no chemicals are administered, complications rarely, if ever, develop.
How Often Will My Pet Need Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is performed 1-2 times per week until a positive response is observed. Acute problems usually respond within 1-3 treatments while chronic conditions generally require 3-6 treatments.. Treatments are then tapered according to patient response. Chronic problems will necessitate maintenance treatments every 6 weeks to 6 months. Sometimes, additional forms of acupuncture stimulation, like electrostimulation or aquapuncture, can speed patient response & lengthen duration between treatments.