Acupuncture & Holistic Medicine

What is it and how does it work?
Veterinary acupuncture has been used in China for nearly 4,000 years and in the United States for decades. Acupuncture is a system for diagnosing and treating disease, illness and injury through the stimulation of precise points on the body. The acupuncture points are near the surface of the body and have the ability to produce physiological changes in the animal to achieve healing effects. The practice of acupuncture has been shown to stimulate nerves, increase blood flow, release the animal’s own cortisol (anti-inflammatory steroids) and endorphins (pain relieving chemicals), and relieve muscle spasms or trigger points.

The Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) practitioner believes the body has a network of energy channels that, when out of balance or interrupted, will result in disease or adverse health effects. There are specific acupuncture points along the channels that can enhance the flow of energy and help regulate bodily functions. To stimulate an acupuncture point, veterinary acupuncturists will typically insert a very fine (size of a human hair) sterile metal needle. The needle will usually be left in for 10 to 20 minutes. This technique is referred to as dry needle acupuncture. Other techniques include Moxa (applying heat); electro-stimulation (low voltage application); aqua acupuncture (injecting sterile liquids such as vitamin B-12); laser light; and surgical implants. Acupuncture may be used alone or in conjunction with conventional western veterinary medical modalities, herbal treatments, and rehabilitative therapies.

How could acupuncture help my pet?
Acupuncture has been successfully used in numerous neurological, respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, urinary, and immunosuppressive disorders. It has become accepted adjunct therapy for pain management with disc disease and chronic degenerative joint disease. It may also be used to facilitate the recovery from various orthopedic surgeries, such as cruciate ligament repair. Acupuncture often lessens the pain associated with arthritis. However, acupuncture, in and of itself, is not the answer to all ailments, for example, fractured bones or severe lacerations.

The number of therapy sessions will vary depending on the condition being treated. Chronic conditions typically require multiple treatments, but usually, improvement is seen within one to three treatments if acupuncture is going to be effective. The more chronic ailments requiring multiple treatments are done one to three weeks apart, with therapy sessions gradually tapered once the desired response is achieved.

Give us a call about your Acupuncture needs and questions today, 703-335-7766.