Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture is one of a variety of therapies that a veterinarian may use to treat your animal. Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect. It is a means of helping the body to heal itself. Acupuncture has been used successfully for nearly 4000 years on animals as well as humans. It is not a panacea (cure-all) but where it is indicated it works well.  In small animals acupuncture is more commonly used for musculoskeletal problems (hip displasia, arthritis, disc disease), skin problems (lick granuloma, allergies, sensory neurodermatitis), nervous disorders (nerve injury, paralysis, seizures),and respiratory problems.  It works primarily through the central nervous system, affecting musculoskeletal, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems. Acupuncture increases circulation, causes a release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, some of which are endorphins -the body's natural pain-killing hormones, relieves muscle spasms, stimulates nerves, stimulates defense systems, as well as other beneficial effects.

Acupuncture is often performed with thin sterilized stainless steel needles. There is occasionally a brief moment of sensitivity as the needle penetrates the skin in certain areas. Once the needles are inplace, most animals relax. Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies utilized if practiced by a competant acupuncturist. Side effects are rare. Occasionally the animals condition deteriorates temporarily before improving. Because acupuncture balances the body's own system of healing and no chemicals are administered, complications rarely, if ever, develop.  Treatment may last from 10 seconds to 30 minutes, depending on the condition treated and the method employed. The are many ways of stimulating acupuncture points including needles, electroacupuncture, aquapuncture (injecting a solution into the point), moxibustion (heating the point), as well as laser acupuncture. Patients are often treated 1 to 3 times a week for 3 to 6 weeks depending on the severity and chronicity of the condition. A positive response is often noticed within the first 4 to 6 treatments, many time much earlier, depending on the condition being treated.