Veterinary Acupuncture
Now offered at our Hillcrest Road location!
What can acupuncture be used to treat?
What is acupuncture?
Veterinarians have used acupuncture alone or in conjunction with Western medicine in almost every wild, domestic, and exotic species for over 3,000 years. It is characterized by the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to produce a healing response for numerous ailments. Each acupuncture point has specific actions when stimulated. Acupuncture operates on the concept that pathways in the body, called meridians, have access points. These are the locations, or points used for acupuncture.
Double blind clinical trials have established that acupuncture does improve clinical outcome in the treatment of many conditions in both animals and people, but we do not have a full understanding of the neurologic or biochemical basis of how acupuncture works. Researches continue to study the effectiveness of acupuncture and we are confident as new study results become available our understanding of how and why acupuncture works will become clear. Although not every condition responds to acupuncture many do. It provides a safe and effective alternative and/or additive treatment modality that will keep your pet more comfortable.
How does acupuncture work?
From a traditional Chinese veterinary medicine point of view, acupuncture helps return the body’s balance of Qi and blood flow to normal, so the body can heal itself from sickness or injury. When an acupuncture point is stimulated, normal flow of energy and blood can be increased or restored.
From a Western veterinary medicine point of view, acupuncture stimulates nerves, increases blood circulation, improves flow of inflammatory cells, relieves muscle spasms, activates the immune system, and causes the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body’s pain control chemicals) and cortisol (a natural steroid).
How will my pet respond to acupuncture?
The success of the treatment will vary according to the patient’s acceptance of the treatment, the condition being treated, number and frequency of acupuncture treatments, and the strength of stimulation during treatment. The length and frequency of treatment depends on the patient’s condition and the method of stimulation (dry needle or electroacupuncture) that is used.
We ask that clients commit to at least 3 sessions before deciding the effectiveness of acupuncture. Many conditions will respond to the first treatment, but especially chronic conditions can take longer. These conditions often take many months to develop, so it is unrealistic to expect that they will respond to one treatment. As we continue treatments we hope for an additive effect, meaning that each treatment builds on the next as you pet improves.