Acupuncture

Acupuncture has become a legitimate branch of veterinary medicine, particularly when utilized in conjunction with conventional methods of diagnosis and treatment.  Traditional Chinese medicine views the body as a unique energetic system, and acupuncture is aimed at maintaining and rebalancing this energy system to facilitate healing and health.

Acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific points along energy channels or meridians that conduct the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi may be thought of as the body's vital energy force.  The healthy flow of Qi may be disrupted by many factors including trauma, chronic injury, nutritional problems, fatigue, genetic weakness, or environmental factors such as heat, cold, dampness or wind.  Acupuncture attempts to re-establish the balance or flow of Qi throughout the body.

Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood and oxygen supply to areas treated, as well as to release endorphins (internally produced pain mediators), and increase production of cortisone and other anti-inflammatory agents within the body.  Acupuncture may also aid the immune system by increasing white blood cell and antibody production.  Other physiologic effects include increased cardiac output, stimulation of bone healing, and suppression of the cough reflex. Acupuncture is particularly useful for stimulating nerves and relieving muscle spasms.

Acupuncture may be incorporated into therapy for a wide range of problems including gastrointestinal disease, respiratory disease, musculoskeletal and neurologic disorders, reproductive, endocrine and metabolic disorders, immune-mediated and allergic disorders, dermatologic problems, urinary diseases, and certain medical emergency situations.

Acupuncture, when utilized along with conventional western veterinary medicine may be very helpful to manage comfort, quality of life, and recovery from certain medical and surgical conditions.

What conditions respond to acupuncture?

- Musculoskeletal disorders arthritis, degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, post-operative orthopedic surgery
- Neurological disorders paralysis secondary to disc disease, seizures
- Respiratory disorders chronic asthma
- Ocular disorders KCS (Dry Eye)
- Gastrointestinal disorders megacolon in the feline, inflammatory   bowel disease, chronic/acute diarrhea, constipation, nausea, decreased appetite
- Chemotherapy side effects can be decreased
- Cancer pain

How often will my pet need acupuncture?

Acupuncture is performed once or twice a week for 4-8 treatments or until the desirable effect is reached. Treatments are then tapered according to the patient's response, typically about every two to six months for maintenance.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is performed with sterile, thin needles. It is one of the safest therapies utilized if practiced by a competent acupuncturist. Side effects are rare. Because acupuncture balances the body's own system of healing and no chemicals are administered, complications rarely, if ever, develop.

The length and frequency of treatments depends on the condition of the patient. The initial consult and treatment will take 60 minutes. Subsequent treatments may take 30 minutes.

Is an acupuncture treatment painful?

While some pets may feel a little bit of discomfort as the needles are inserted, most relax during treatment and many even fall asleep.