Acupuncture

Acupuncture for Pets

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) has been used to treat both animals and humans for thousands of years in China. TCVM has four main components: acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy and Tui-na (medical manipulation). Traditional Chinese medical philosophy comes from the belief that the body has an inborn ability to balance and heal itself.

Acupuncture is the stimulation of selected points on the body to balance the Qi (energy) of the body. This involves the insertion of thin sterile needles into discrete and specific points on the body to cause a therapeutic effect.

How does acupuncture work?

Disease results when there is an imbalance of energy in the body. In Western medicine terms, acupuncture assists the body’s efforts to heal itself by causing certain physiological changes. Acupuncture stimulates nerves, increases blood circulation, relieves muscle spasms and causes the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body’s natural pain control chemicals) and cortisol (a natural steroid).

What are some of the uses of acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions. Pain modification is one of the most common and effective applications of veterinary acupuncture, but there are many other conditions for which acupuncture can be therapeutic.

  • Musculoskeletal conditions

  • Arthritis

  • Hip dysplasia

  • Intervertebral disk disease

  • Dermatological conditions

  • Chronic allergic dermatitis

  • Chronic ear infections

  • Gastrointestinal conditions

  • Inflammatory bowel disease

  • Chronic diarrhea or vomiting

  • Constipation

  • Megacolon

  • Respiratory conditions

  • Asthma

  • Bronchitis

  • Neurological conditions

  • Seizures

  • Traumatic nerve injury

  • Degenerative myelopathy

  • Urogenital conditions

  • Chronic urinary tract infections

  • Urinary incontinence

  • Behavioral conditions

  • Separation anxiety

Evaluation and Treatment

The first session will take a bit longer than the follow-up appointments. Before acupuncture therapy can begin, a full history and physical assessment are done. A traditional Chinese medical exam looks different from a Western medical exam. It involves acupuncture point analysis as well and tongue and pulse diagnosis. This thorough evaluation will result in a traditional Chinese veterinary medical diagnosis and serves as the basis for planning and prescribing acupuncture therapy.

After this initial consultation, your pet’s therapy can begin. Acupuncture points are selected to balance your pet’s specific energy excesses or deficiencies.

Because each animal is unique, heals at a different rate and will tolerate therapy differently, the frequency and duration of acupuncture treatments are tailored to each individual. Follow-up sessions typically require 30 to 45 minutes and are usually scheduled weekly to start and then decreased in frequency after 2-4 weeks.

Acupuncture is often used when conventional therapies are not working or are having undesirable side effects or when surgical treatment is not an option.

Other Traditional Chinese Medicine Services

In addition to acupuncture, other components of TCVM can be used to treat your pet:

Electro-acupuncture – By applying electrodes to pairs of needles already in place for the acupuncture treatment, a controlled electric current stimulates the nerve endings and helps your pet’s Qi (life force or vital energy) move more freely through the body.

Herbal therapy – Herbal medicines can be given at home to enhance the effects of acupuncture in between treatments.

Aquapuncture – Aqua puncture is the injection of a sterile liquid (typically Vitamin B-12) into acupuncture points. The liquid affects the points for a longer duration than dry needles.

Food therapy – TCVM has long used dietary changes in the treatment and prevention of illness based on the food’s energy and properties.