Thank you for expressing an interest in Acupuncture for your pet…

Holistic medicine is a comprehensive approach to your pet’s health care. Whether it is chiropractic care, homeopathy, herbs, nutritional supplements or acupuncture, there is one central belief that there is a force within every living creature that is striving for balance, striving to avoid disease and promote healing.  When an animal gets sick, the body is unbalanced.  Acupuncture works by re-balancing your pet’s system which, in turn, encourages healing and promotes wellness.

Where did it come from?

Acupuncture originated in China 4000 years ago.  An elephant chart with acupuncture points (dated 3000 years ago) was found in Sri Lanka and is thought to be the first record of veterinary acupuncture. Acupuncture techniques were exported to Asia in the 6^th century, Europe in the 17^th century and to the western world during the 20^th century.

Western vs. Eastern Medicine

Both types of medicine have an enormous amount of time-tested information. Both follow their own logic and usefulness. Both have a place in modern medicine and can be found at Natural Pet Animal Hospital. Often times holistic practitioners utilize conventional medicine for trauma and acute injuries and eastern modalities for chronic problems and preventive medicine.  Western medicine diagnoses and treats the effect of disease on the body. Eastern medicine diagnoses and acts on the energy that creates the diseased state.

How does it work?

Acupuncture works by circulating what the Chinese call “Qi” (pronounced “Chi”).  Western physicians prefer to call this energy “bioelecticity.” This microcurrent of energy circulates along pathways called channels that are connected to organs, muscles, joints, glands and the nervous system.  We know that disease causes an impairment of this circulatory pattern.  By placing conductive metal needles in certain points, we can redirect this electrical current and cause organs and tissues to receive more bloodflow, release certain healing substances from glands (including serotonin, norepinephrine, acetlycholine and endorphins), decrease inflammation and short-circuit pain fibers.  Acupuncture points have electrical properties that can be measured with neurometers.  They have a high DC current potential and very high conductivity.   Scientists have found that there are ten times the number of free nerve endings on these special points as opposed to the adjacent surrounding skin.

What to expect:

Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of problems including muskuloskeletal pain and damage, neurological, behavioral, hormonal and autoimmune diseases as well as degenerative and organ problems. Although there are statistics available for the overall response rate for specific conditions, we cannot predict each individual’s response to treatment. We do know that acupuncture has not been used successfully to treat cancer and some forms of myelopathy.  Usually, the newer the problem, the easier it is to treat.  Many chronic, long-standing medical problems have been resolved with acupuncture but these cases take time and many treatments.  The doctor will discuss what to expect in terms of signs of improvement if you collectively decide to use acupuncture therapy.

The length of each treatment and the number of treatments depends on the type and seriousness of the condition being treated. Usually the first treatment is the most stressful for your pet, not because it’s painful, but because he or she doesn’t know what to expect. Once animals correlate the very pleasant endorphin release with the placement of needles, sessions typically become quite enjoyable!

It is important to realize that the success of your pet’s treatment depends, in part, on his or her cooperation.  Your pet must remain somewhat still for 15 to 30 minutes depending on the length of treatment.  Your pet can lie down, sit or stand, but the more movement that takes place, the more likely needles will fall out! If your pet shakes or rolls around on the floor (and all the needles come out), the benefits are certainly limited! Sometimes the body expels a few of the needles on its own, which does not change the success of the treatment. 

Acupuncture is typically not painful.  When the tiny needles stimulate the nerves it feels a little bit like your foot waking up after it has fallen asleep…tingly. Some animals have more of a problem accepting this sensation than others! Some points (like around the toes) are much more sensitive, and the doctor may opt to use external electrostimulation on those points, instead of needles. 

The doctor will discuss how many treatments may be necessary and how often they will be required.  It is important to decide if you can commit to the treatment schedule before starting acupuncture.  You will sit with your pet during each treatment (you are welcome to bring a book!). The doctor will set a timer and when the session is complete, a technician will remove the needles.