Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) that focuses on maintaining the energy balance of the body in order to benefit the overall health of the patient. It is a type of alternative medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles through the skin into specific points on the body. This results in changes within the body to achieve a variety of results such as improved healing via increased blood flow and decreased inflammation, reduced pain, and boosted immune function. Acupuncture works to promote self- healing, pain relief, and restore homeostasis of the body.
How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is thought to promote a healing response in a few different ways. Explanations from a TCVM perspective as well as a scientific Western perspective have been explored. From a TCVM perspective, acupuncture points are utilized to help control and direct the flow of Qi, which is the patient’s vital energy or “life force”. Acupuncture points are located along different energy pathways, known as channels or meridians, through which Qi flows. When there is an imbalance in the flow of Qi along these channels, which may be excessive or deficient, this can lead to illness. Acupuncture is used to restore the balance of Qi, resulting in improved physical and mental well-being. From a Western perspective, the effects of acupuncture cannot be explained by a single physiologic mechanism. Acupuncture points have been found to be located at intersections of specific nerve and blood vessel bundles and throughout muscle tissue. Put simply, use of these points results in electrical and mechanical stimulation that causes the release of various chemicals (endorphins, endogenous opioids, hormones, and others) that result in a range of both local and systemic effects that helps promote improved function and healing of different body systems.
How can my pet benefit from Acupuncture?
Veterinary acupuncture can be a beneficial complementary therapy that can improve quality of life for pets of all life stages for a wide variety of conditions, both chronic and acute. Conditions that involve chronic pain or inflammation can be especially responsive.
Examples of conditions that can benefit from acupuncture include but are not limited to:
● Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g. acute injury, osteoarthritis, hip/elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament rupture)
● Neurological disease (e.g. intervertebral disk disease, degenerative myelopathy, seizure disorders)
● Gastrointestinal/digestive disorders (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea, IBD, constipation)
● Dermatologic/ Allergic conditions (e.g. pruritus, dermatitis)
● Respiratory disorders (e.g. allergies, asthma, cough)
● Renal and Urinary disorders (e.g. chronic kidney disease, cystitis, incontinence)
Each patient’s needs will differ based on the condition being treated, meaning the number and frequency of sessions needed will vary and be based on response to treatment. Chronic conditions may require ongoing treatment sessions. In some cases, patients may experience relief after just one session. However, in most cases, it may take several treatment sessions before improvements are seen- this will vary depending on the individual and condition being treated. Certain treatment plans may involve the use of electroacupuncture, aquapuncture, or laser therapy. These therapies are safe to combine with conventional medical care and can be used to work towards a more holistic approach in patient care