What is Acupuncture?

 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 a healing effect. It is not a cure-all, but it works well where indicated and when used alone or in combination with traditional veterinary medicine. Veterinary acupuncture has been used to
treat animals for nearly 4,000 years in China. In North America it has been used for decades, in both domestic and exotic animals. Acupuncture is one of a variety of therapies a veterinarian may use to treat your pet.

How does Acupuncture work?

What are some of the uses of Acupuncture?

Ancient Chinese medical philosophy believes that disease is a result of an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy, and thereby assist the body
in healing disease. In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body’s efforts to heal itself by causing certain physiological
changes. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, and
cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body’s pain control chemicals) or cortisol (a natural steroid).

  Acupuncture is known to have therapeutic effects in a wide variety of animal diseases. Pain modification is an important application of veterinary acupuncture, but there are much wider applications. Examples of clinical conditions where veterinary acupuncture may be used are: •

• Gastrointestinal disorders
• • Respiratory problems •
• Urinary disorders •
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• • Dermatological problems

How long/often are they needed?

How should I choose my Veterinary Acupuncturist?

 The length and frequency of treatments depends on the problem and condition of your pet. Stimulation of an individual
acupuncture point may be for as little as 10 seconds or as long as 20 minutes. Generally, acute problems require less
time and frequency of treatment in chronic cases. For example, an acute sprain may require only one treatment, whereas
more severe or chronic ailments may require multiple treatments. A positive response is generally seen after the first
to third treatment in chronic cases. Once optimum response is achieved, treatments are tapered off so the greatest amount of
symptom-free time elapses between them.

Two important criteria:
1. Your veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed veterinarian. In most states, provinces, and countries, veterinary acupuncture is considered a surgical procedure that, legally, may only be administered by licensed veterinarians.
 
2. Your veterinary acupuncturist should have considerable formal training in the practice of animal acupuncture.