The Western Dragon - Integrated Veterinary Solutions

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of a variety of therapies a veterinarian may use to treat your animal. Most simply stated, acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body that have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions to achieve the desired effect. Acupuncture has been used to for nearly 2000 years on animals and longer on humans. As a matter of fact, it is still the treatment of choice for one quarter of the world's population for many problems. It is now being utilized by an increasing number of veterinarians for various conditions. It is not a panacea, or cure-all, but where it is indicated it works well.

Questions Most Frequently Asked

What conditions respond to acupuncture?

Acupuncture bridges a gap between medicine and surgery. In the Western world acupuncture is used primarily when medications are not working or are contraindicated. In China, it is often used as the primary treatment before conventional medicines.

In small animals acupuncture is most commonly used for:

Musculoskeletal Problems
1. Hip dysplasia
2. Arthritis
3. Intervertebral disc disease
4. Long term injuries
Nervous Disorders
1. Traumatic nerve injuries
2. Certain types of paralysis
Respiratory Problems
1. Feline asthma
2. Many other conditions have also responded
Skin Problems
1. Lick granulomas
2. Sensory neurodermatitis

There are many other conditions acupuncture can be used for these are just a highlight of the most common uses.

How does it work?

Acupuncture is now known to affect all major physiological systems. It works primarily through the central nervous system, affecting the musculoskeletal, hormonal and cardiovascular system. It does more than relieve pain. How it works depends on the condition being treated and the points used. Acupuncture increases circulation, causes a release of many neurotransmitters and neurohormones, relieves muscle spasm, stimulates nerves and stimulates the body's defense systems among many other beneficial effects.

It is interesting to note that according to Chinese philosophy, disease is an imbalance of energy. Acupuncture is based on balancing the energy and correcting the flow of energy and thereby healing.

Acupuncture is performed with sterilized stainless steel needles. There is occasionally a brief moment of sensitivity as the needle penetrates the skin in sensitive areas. Once the needles are in place, most animals relax, often falling asleep during the treatment.

Is it safe?

Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies available. Side effects are rare. Occasionally an animals condition may deteriorate temporarily before results are evident. However, if the body's own system of healing is allowed to work and no chemicals are administered complications rarely develop.

How often and for how long does one treat?

Treatments last from 5-45 minutes depending on the condition treated and the methods used. There are many ways of stimulating acupuncture points, including needles, electroacupuncture, aquapuncture, moxibustion, and laser acupuncture. Patients are often treated one to three times a week for 4-8 weeks. A positive response is often noticed with the first four to six treatments sometimes earlier, depending on the conditions treated.