What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves the stimulation of specific points along specific areas or meridians along the body with a specific method resulting in a therapeutic balancing effect. The specific point is called a “shu-xu” or acupuncture point. Acupuncture has been used in China to treat humans for 4,000 years, and the earliest veterinary acupuncture book, Bole’s Canon of Veterinary Acupuncture, was written in the 600s B.C. Modern research has shown that acupoints are located in the areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and lymphatic blood vessels. Research has also shown that the stimulation of acupoints induces the release of natural pain releasing hormones such as beta-endorphin, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. In traditional Chinese medicine, health of the body depends upon the flow of Qi (pronounced chee), which is the life force or vital energy. Qi has two opposite forms Yang (like the sun, energized) and Yin (like the Moon, restorative) which flow throughout the body 24 hours a day, maintaining a dynamic state of balance or homeostasis. Disruption in the balance of Yin and Yang or in the flow of Qi may manifest as dis-ease or pain. Stimulation of the acupoints resolves the blockage, helps balance the Yin and Yang, and enables the body to heal itself. Done by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is a very safe procedure.
In the photo, I am treating Hank using acupuncture with electro-stimulation. Hank was diagnosed with vertebral stenoisis when he was 2 years old, and his owners were told he would likely need surgery or would be paralyzed in his hind legs at an early age. His owners decided to try acupuncture, which he has been receiving regularly for eight years. Hank enthusiastically greets me for his regular acupuncture treatments, rolling and playfully interacting with me and has remained fully active throughout his life.
Acupuncture induces the following physiological effects:
Common conditions for which acupuncture can be an effective therapy:
The behavioral response of each animal to acupuncture needles is variable, and typically correlates with the Chinese identified core constitution of the animal. Most animals are comfortable during the treatment and many even nap during treatments. For the few animals that are very sensitive and uncomfortable with the needles, I will offer alternatives.
Very fine needles generally are placed for 20 minutes. Depending upon the condition being treated and its length of duration, your pet may need weekly sessions for the first three to six weeks. Neurological conditions (e.g., dragging toes, lack of coordination, intervertebral disc disease, facial nerve paralysis) often require two treatments a week for the first three to six weeks. Depending upon your pet’s therapeutic response, the frequency is then tapered off to a maintenance schedule of every two weeks to six months. Arthritic senior dogs typically have treatments every six to eight weeks to keep a spring in their step.
Different methods may be used for acupuncture, such as dry needles alone. Sometimes I will use moxibustion. This involves the burning of moxa, the dried leaves from mugwort and wormwood, to heat the far end of the needle and thereby stimulate increased blood flow and further relax muscles or soft tissues around joints. I may use electro-acupuncture to tonify Qi (for example, to release nerve growth factors to reverse atrophy or to manage back or neck pain). This involves the connection of a small frequency of electrical current to the acupuncture needles to enhance the effect of the needles and increase the degree of pain management. Vitamin B12 can be injected into the acupuncture points to help stimulate the point after the needles have been removed.
Initial visits are typically 1 to 1½ hours and include a complete history and Chinese medical evaluation. Follow-up visits are usually 40 to 45 minutes.
During an acupuncture session, I may teach you some Tui-na. This is a manual therapy which helps regulate the functions of meridians, such as transporting Qi throughout the body. Tui-na can soften the local tissues, reduce pain and lead to realignment / restructuring of dense connective tissue. It also helps to increase individual organ functions when they are sub-optimal and normalizes the interactions between organs.
I use both Western and Chinese herbal formulas. I use only reliable sources to insure the highest quality of herbal ingredients.
In the photo, I am treating Hank using acupuncture with electro-stimulation. Hank was diagnosed with vertebral stenoisis when he was 2 years old, and his owners were told he would likely need surgery or would be paralyzed in his hind legs at an early age. His owners decided to try acupuncture, which he has been receiving regularly for eight years. Hank enthusiastically greets me for his regular acupuncture treatments, rolling and playfully interacting with me and has remained fully active throughout his life.
Acupuncture induces the following physiological effects:
- Pain relief
- Regulation of gastrointestinal motility
- Anti-inflammatory effect
- Immuno-regulation – valuable in the treatment of many conditions, including cancer
- Hormone and reproductive regulation
- Anti-febrile (elevated temperature) effect
Common conditions for which acupuncture can be an effective therapy:
- Behavioral Conditions
- Endocrine disorders
- Musculoskeletal problems: muscle soreness, neck or back pain, arthritis, degenerative joint disease, laminitis, navicular syndrome
- Neurological disorders – EPM, facial nerve paralysis, seizures, Horner’s syndrome, intervertebral disc disease, laryngeal hemiplegia (roaring), “sweeny” shoulder, urinary or fecal incontinence
- Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, gastric ulcers, vomiting, constipation, megacolon
- Geriatric weakness
- Kidney disease and some urinary conditions
- Liver disease
- Performance enhancement and prevention of disease
- Reproductive conditions
- Respiratory conditions – asthma, heaves
- Skin hypersensitivities
The behavioral response of each animal to acupuncture needles is variable, and typically correlates with the Chinese identified core constitution of the animal. Most animals are comfortable during the treatment and many even nap during treatments. For the few animals that are very sensitive and uncomfortable with the needles, I will offer alternatives.
Very fine needles generally are placed for 20 minutes. Depending upon the condition being treated and its length of duration, your pet may need weekly sessions for the first three to six weeks. Neurological conditions (e.g., dragging toes, lack of coordination, intervertebral disc disease, facial nerve paralysis) often require two treatments a week for the first three to six weeks. Depending upon your pet’s therapeutic response, the frequency is then tapered off to a maintenance schedule of every two weeks to six months. Arthritic senior dogs typically have treatments every six to eight weeks to keep a spring in their step.
Different methods may be used for acupuncture, such as dry needles alone. Sometimes I will use moxibustion. This involves the burning of moxa, the dried leaves from mugwort and wormwood, to heat the far end of the needle and thereby stimulate increased blood flow and further relax muscles or soft tissues around joints. I may use electro-acupuncture to tonify Qi (for example, to release nerve growth factors to reverse atrophy or to manage back or neck pain). This involves the connection of a small frequency of electrical current to the acupuncture needles to enhance the effect of the needles and increase the degree of pain management. Vitamin B12 can be injected into the acupuncture points to help stimulate the point after the needles have been removed.
Initial visits are typically 1 to 1½ hours and include a complete history and Chinese medical evaluation. Follow-up visits are usually 40 to 45 minutes.
During an acupuncture session, I may teach you some Tui-na. This is a manual therapy which helps regulate the functions of meridians, such as transporting Qi throughout the body. Tui-na can soften the local tissues, reduce pain and lead to realignment / restructuring of dense connective tissue. It also helps to increase individual organ functions when they are sub-optimal and normalizes the interactions between organs.
I use both Western and Chinese herbal formulas. I use only reliable sources to insure the highest quality of herbal ingredients.