Veterinary Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of needles as a stimulation of specific points on the body resulting in a desired healing effect. This technique has been used in veterinary practice in China for at least 3000 years to treat many ailments.
The Chinese also use acupuncture as preventive medicine to strengthen the immune system and balance the body’s energies to promote good health. Acupuncture is used all over the world, either by itself or in conjunction with Western medicine, to treat a wide variety of maladies in every species of domestic animal and in exotic animals. Acupuncture is used all over the world, either by itself or in conjunction with Western medicine, to treat a wide variety of maladies in every species of domestic animal and in exotic animals.
Modern veterinary acupuncturists use solid needles, hypodermic needles, bleeding needles, electricity, heat, massage, and low power lasers to stimulate acupuncture points.
For which conditions is acupuncture treatment suggested?
Acupuncture is a suggested treatment mainly for functional problems, such as those that involve paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (such as allergies), and pain.
Here are some of the general conditions treated with acupuncture for Small Animals:
- Musculoskeletal problems, such as sore backs
- Skin problems, such as lick granuloma
- Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea
- Selected reproductive problems
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Sprains
Here are some of the general conditions treated with acupuncture for Large Animals:
- Musculoskeletal problems, such as sore backs
- Nervous system problems, such as facial nerve paralysis
- Skin problems, such as allergic dermatitis
- Respiratory problems, such as heaves and "bleeders"
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as non-surgical colic
- Selected reproductive disorders
In addition, regular acupuncture treatment can treat sports injuries as they occur and can help to keep muscles and tendons resistant to injury. World class professional and amateur athletes often use acupuncture as a routine part of their training. If your animals are involved in any athletic endeavor, such as racing, jumping, or showing, acupuncture can help keep them in top physical condition.
How does acupuncture work?
According to ancient Chinese medical philosophy, disease is the result of an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy and thereby assist the body to heal disease.
In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body's pain control chemicals) cortisol (a natural steroid).
Although many of acupuncture's physiological effects have been studied, many more are still unknown. Further research must be done to discover all of acupuncture's effects and its proper uses in veterinary medicine.
Is acupuncture painful?
For small animals, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. Once the needles are in place, there should be no pain. Most animals become very relaxed and may even become sleepy.
Is acupuncture safe for animals?
Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Side effects of acupuncture are rare, but they do exist. These effects are an indication that some physiological changes are developing, and they are most often followed by an improvement in the animal's condition.
How long do acupuncture treatments last and how often are they given?
The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments depends on the condition of the patient and the method of stimulation that is used by the veterinary acupuncturist. Stimulation of an individual acupuncture point may take as little as 10 seconds or as much as 30 minutes. A simple acute problem, such as a sprain, may require only one treatment, whereas more severe or chronic ailments may need up to several dozen treatments.
When multiple treatments are necessary, they usually begin intensively and are tapered to maximum efficiency. Patients often start with 1-3 treatments during the first week, and then treatments decrease throughout the next 4-6 weeks. A positive response is usually seen after the first or second treatment.
A positive response is usually seen after the first to third treatment. Once a maximum positive response is achieved, treatments are tapered off so that the greatest amount of symptom free time elapses between them. Many animals with chronic conditions can taper off to 2-4 treatments per year.
Animals undergoing athletic training can benefit from acupuncture as often as twice a week to once a month. The frequency depends on the intensity of the training and the condition of the athlete.
How should I choose an acupuncturist for my animals?
There are two important criteria you should look for in a veterinary acupuncturist:
- Your veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed veterinarian.
- Your veterinary acupuncturist should have formal training in the practice of acupuncture for animals.
