Acupuncture

Veterinary acupuncture has been practiced for over 3000 years in China! Broadly, acupuncture is the practice of using fine needles to stimulate specific points on the body to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. In eastern medicine, it is believed that a life force energy or “Qi” flows through the body along specific pathways known as meridians. Pathology occurs when there is an imbalance caused by an excess, deficiency, or stagnation of Qi. Stimulation of specific points along these meridians is used to correct the imbalance. In western medicine, doctors have recognized that these designated points have an abundance of nerve endings, lymphatics, and blood vessels, likely facilitating their actions.

Most dogs and cats are extremely tolerant of acupuncture therapy. In fact, many patients enjoy their sessions as they associate them with relaxation and pain relief. The needles used for acupuncture are very fine and we work with the patient to create the most comfortable experience possible. It is common for owners to notice that their pets are more relaxed and even enthusiastic about coming into the hospital because of their positive experience with acupuncture.

The treatment schedule for acupuncture usually depends on the patient and pathology that we are treating. In general, most patients start with 1-2 treatments per week for 3-4 weeks. Then treatment intervals are gradually increased to once per month or once every few months.

It depends on the nature, severity, and duration of diseases. A single treatment may be enough for an acute condition. A series of 3 to 10 treatments can resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may need monthly treatments over time.

People usually associate acupuncture with the treatment of orthopedic and neurologic conditions. However, acupuncture can be used for so much more!

Herbal therapy is the use of a plant or plant extract to prevent, alleviate, or cure disease. Herbal therapy is often used in combination with acupuncture or even western pharmaceuticals. The major difference between herbal medicines and western pharmaceuticals is the lack of significant alteration from its natural form. For example, consider the effects of drinking a cup of coffee in the morning versus taking a caffeine pill. Your cup of coffee is more like herbal therapy, while a caffeine pill is more like a pharmaceutical medication. Supporters of herbal therapy argue that the cup of coffee has less adverse effects because it is in its naturally occurring state. Herbal therapy is often necessary to compliment the effects of acupuncture, especially for internal conditions.