What is Acupuncture?

Originating in China, the healing art of acupuncture has been used to treat people and animals alike for more than 3500 years. North Americans are most familiar with it’s use in the treatment of pain and musculoskeletal problems, but acupuncture can also be used to strengthen the immune system, prevent disease and improve quality of life. Along with Chinese Herbal Medicine, Food Therapy and a type of medical massage called Tui Na, acupuncture forms the backbone of an ancient comprehensive system of health care known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or, when used for animals, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).

According to TCM the body has a series of pathways or “meridians” through which energy or “Qi” flows. In Traditional Chinese Medicine health is balance! When the body’s meridians become deficient, obstructed or imbalanced, pain and disease occur. The insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body helps to restore a smooth healthy flow of Qi through the channels, promoting improved health overall.

Veterinary acupuncture takes a holistic approach to treatment, health and wellness, looking at everything from the animal’s personality, diet and lifestyle, to any underlying disease patterns that can be at the root of a wide variety of medical problems.

Some of the conditions that may benefit from acupuncture include:

Musculoskeletal Conditions:
    * Arthritis
    * Hip Dysplasia
    * Intervertebral Disc Disease

Skin Conditions:
    * Chronic Allergic Dermatitis
    * Lick Granuloma
    * Immune Mediated Diseases

Gastrointestinal Conditions:
    * Chronic Diarrhea / IBD
    * Gastritis
    * Chronic Constipation

Respiratory Conditions:
    * Sinusitis
    * Asthma
    * Bronchitis / Kennel Cough

Urinary Conditions:
    * Chronic Renal Insufficiency/ Failure
    * Incontinence
    * Cystitis

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine may be helpful for patients with Neoplasia/Cancer when used along with conventional veterinary treatments, and may help improve length and quality of life for the pet where conventional treatments are not being pursued.

Almost any Senior or Geriatric pet may find acupuncture beneficial, helping to increase their general energy level, improve mobility and support better quality of life.

What to Expect on Your Initial Visit

Prior to your initial appointment we will ask you to contact your regular veterinarian, allowing them to forward a copy of your pet’s medical record along with any lab work or other diagnostic test results that are available.

Every initial visit begins with two examinations: a complete conventional physical examination, followed by a TCVM examination. A TCVM exam starts with asking extensive questions to develop a well-rounded understanding of your animal’s background, complaints and basic constitution. The quality of their pulse and condition of their tongue will be looked at, as both of these reflect the inner workings of the body systems. In addition, various acupuncture points on the back, limbs and abdomen will be palpated. You can expect an appointment for initial consultation and treatment to last about 90 minutes. Following visits will vary depending on the condition being treated, but usually take about an hour.

What About Those Needles?

As with people, veterinary acupuncture is usually not painful and is generally well tolerated. Having a few treats on hand as a distraction can help pass the time. Many animals relax, and some may actually fall asleep once the needles are in place. Like people, a few animals may be more needle sensitive than others, but usually may only feel the needle as it is quickly inserted into the skin. The single use, sterile stainless steel needles mean that side effects are rare and acupuncture is one of the safest therapies available. Depending on the type of therapy needed, needles may stay in place from as little as a few minutes up to 20 minutes, averaging 15 minutes in most cases.

Course of Treatments:

Treatments are usually done once weekly for an initial 4-5 weeks, but may be done more frequently in some serious, acute conditions. Once the maximum benefit is achieved, maintenance treatments may be spaced out to longer intervals according to the individual animal’s needs. Acupuncture can play a valuable part in a long term wellness program for dogs and cats of all ages.

There can be some misunderstanding of what to expect from acupuncture’s use, however. While acute conditions and minor injuries may only need one or two treatments to help get things back on track, not all conditions can be treated with acupuncture, and for chronic or long term health issues a course of treatments over a number of weeks is usually recommended. The effects of acupuncture tend to be cumulative and chronic conditions generally take longer to improve than acute health problems.

Statistically, about 25% of animals show major improvement or even resolution of their problems, another 50% enjoy a significant response though some symptoms may remain, and the remaining 25% of pets may have little or no response. Following a treatment relief may be immediate, occur within a few hours, or after a couple of days.