What is Animal Acupuncture?
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), when Qi (pronounced chi), or the life force is unbalanced or stagnant; pain and disease can develop. Injuries, diet, environment, and genetics can all impact Qi. Acupuncture uses very fine needles that are placed into acupuncture points to cause a desired healing effect (relieve pain, move Qi and restore balance). Chinese herbs and therapeutic diets are both used in conjunction with acupuncture as medicine to promote whole body healing in the patient.
Research has shown that acupuncture works by stimulating nerves, increasing blood circulation, relieving muscle spasm, and causing the release of hormones, such as endorphins, endogenous opioids, and cortisol. These compounds are the body’s own natural pain relievers and can provide relief from pain and anxiety without pharmaceuticals.
How do dogs and cats react to acupuncture? Most pets tolerate acupuncture well. They become relaxed and will often fall asleep. Most of the time, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. Sometimes, the acupuncture points are more sensitive because the condition is more severe, or the patient is especially nervous. There are ways to modify the treatments for certain individuals by using acupressure, aquapuncture (injections into acupuncture points), or treating solely with herbs. Some animals with more severe problems may benefit from electro-acupuncture. An electric current is attached to the needle for deep stimulation of the acupuncture points.
Acupuncture is one of the safest treatments available for animals. A possible side effect is that an animal’s condition may seem worse after treatment or the pet may be lethargic or sleepy. This is one indication that a physiological change is occurring and is usually followed by an improvement in the pet’s condition.
What can TCVM treat? TCVM can treat the same conditions as conventional medicine, but because the problems are often chronic, patience is required. Many people turn to TCVM when they’ve tried conventional treatments without lasting success. TCVM does not offer a quick fix or band-aid approach. It attempts to treat the root of the problem and there can be many layers to peel before the root is discovered. Integrative medicine (a combination of conventional and traditional medicine) is often employed for optimal results.
Common examples of conditions treated:
ligament and other soft tissue injuries, arthritis, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease
food allergies, environmental allergies, chronic skin and ear infections
immune disorders, endocrine disorders, seizures
urinary tract infections, bladder stone dissolution
respiratory problems such as feline asthma or chronic bronchitis
gastrointestinal problems such as food intolerance, chronic weight loss, diarrhea
behavior problems, anxiety, stress and depression
cancer and palliative care for terminal pets
Do healthy pets or very young animals need acupuncture? Healthy athletic pets can benefit from acupuncture in the same way as human athletes can by getting “tune-ups”. Animals at any age can benefit from acupuncture if they are sick. Acupuncture can boost the immune system and help young animals fight disease.
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), when Qi (pronounced chi), or the life force is unbalanced or stagnant; pain and disease can develop. Injuries, diet, environment, and genetics can all impact Qi. Acupuncture uses very fine needles that are placed into acupuncture points to cause a desired healing effect (relieve pain, move Qi and restore balance). Chinese herbs and therapeutic diets are both used in conjunction with acupuncture as medicine to promote whole body healing in the patient.
Research has shown that acupuncture works by stimulating nerves, increasing blood circulation, relieving muscle spasm, and causing the release of hormones, such as endorphins, endogenous opioids, and cortisol. These compounds are the body’s own natural pain relievers and can provide relief from pain and anxiety without pharmaceuticals.
How do dogs and cats react to acupuncture? Most pets tolerate acupuncture well. They become relaxed and will often fall asleep. Most of the time, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. Sometimes, the acupuncture points are more sensitive because the condition is more severe, or the patient is especially nervous. There are ways to modify the treatments for certain individuals by using acupressure, aquapuncture (injections into acupuncture points), or treating solely with herbs. Some animals with more severe problems may benefit from electro-acupuncture. An electric current is attached to the needle for deep stimulation of the acupuncture points.
Acupuncture is one of the safest treatments available for animals. A possible side effect is that an animal’s condition may seem worse after treatment or the pet may be lethargic or sleepy. This is one indication that a physiological change is occurring and is usually followed by an improvement in the pet’s condition.
What can TCVM treat? TCVM can treat the same conditions as conventional medicine, but because the problems are often chronic, patience is required. Many people turn to TCVM when they’ve tried conventional treatments without lasting success. TCVM does not offer a quick fix or band-aid approach. It attempts to treat the root of the problem and there can be many layers to peel before the root is discovered. Integrative medicine (a combination of conventional and traditional medicine) is often employed for optimal results.
Common examples of conditions treated:
ligament and other soft tissue injuries, arthritis, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease
food allergies, environmental allergies, chronic skin and ear infections
immune disorders, endocrine disorders, seizures
urinary tract infections, bladder stone dissolution
respiratory problems such as feline asthma or chronic bronchitis
gastrointestinal problems such as food intolerance, chronic weight loss, diarrhea
behavior problems, anxiety, stress and depression
cancer and palliative care for terminal pets
Do healthy pets or very young animals need acupuncture? Healthy athletic pets can benefit from acupuncture in the same way as human athletes can by getting “tune-ups”. Animals at any age can benefit from acupuncture if they are sick. Acupuncture can boost the immune system and help young animals fight disease.