What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin sterile needles into specific points on the body. The acupuncture points are chosen based on a thorough exam and Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis. Acupuncture methods include dry needle acupuncture, electrical acupuncture, aqua acupuncture and moxibustion.
Acupuncture works by inducing the following effects:
- Pain relief
- Promotion of tissue healing processes
- Regulation of gastrointestinal motility
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Immunoregulation
- Hormone and reproductive regulation
- Anti-febrile effects
When should acupuncture be used?
- Arthritis and other orthopedic conditions
- Diseases of the nervous system including seizures, cognitive dysfunction, intervertebral disc disease, degenerative myelopathy, and vestibular problems.
- Cancer, including treating and preventing side effects associated with chemotherapy
- Internal medicine diseases including heart disease, kidney disease, and liver problems.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is very safe when administered by a qualified practitioner. It has very few negative side effects.
Is acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture points are stimulated using very fine needles, almost as thin as a hair. Occasionally, a brief moment of sensitivity might be experienced as the needle penetrates the skin. Once the needles are in place, most animals relax and even fall asleep during treatment. In general, sedation is not needed before an acupuncture treatment.
How long does each treatment take?
We schedule one hour appointment for acupuncture sessions. Our doctor will perform a thorough exam and Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis during each acupuncture appointment. After the exam, acupuncture procedure mostly takes 15 to 30 minutes.
How soon can we expect results?
Generally, a minimum of 3 to 5 treatments 1 to 2 weeks apart for chronic conditions are needed before notable improvement. Sometimes results can be seen immediately.
How many treatments are needed?
Number of sessions varies greatly depending on the condition. Minor, acute conditions may require only 1 to 3 treatments while chronic diseases such as arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, and chronic kidney disease may require lifelong management.
Frequency likewise varies depending on the condition. Severe problems may need to be seen 2 to 3 times a week while support of a slowly progressive condition may be managed with once monthly maintenance.
Do you practice any other types of alternative medicine?
Acupuncture is frequently combined with herbal medicine and Traditional Chinese food therapy to achieve optimal effect. Herbal medicine can be used to help alleviate pain, treat cancer and the side effects of other cancer treatments, and maximize internal organ health. Food therapy is necessary to achieve maximum health and temperature balance in any animal.
Please contact us to make a consultation appointment to see if acupuncture is right for your pet.