How does acupuncture work?
      Acupuncture is known to positively stimulate all major physiological systems. It works    
     primarily through the central nervous system, affecting musculoskeletal, hormonal,
     and cardiovascular systems. Response depends on the type of condition being
     treated and the points utilized. 

      Although it is best known to relieve pain, discomfort, it also increases blood circulation,
      increases the release of many neurotransmitters, and neurohormones, some of which are
      endorphins, the bodies own "natural pain-killing" hormones. Acupuncture relieves muscles
      spasms, stimulates nerves, and stimulates the body's immune system. Stimulation by
      acupuncture needles multiples the natural morphine production 20 to 100 times normal 
      levels. Electroacupuncture adds another three fold increse in the production of these
      natural pain killers. Acupuncture increases the production and release of mood elevating                                       hormones such as dopamine, seratonin, and norepinephrine by 30% to 50%. 

            Disease is an imbalance of energy in the body. A better mental attitude decreases stress which enables healing. Acupuncture
            naturally balances the meridians energy flow which can treat the root cause of disease. 

               What medical conditions in animals respond to acupuncture?                                   
            Pain Management involving Musculoskeletal disease 
                  (post surgery pain, arthritis, hip dysplasia, disc disease)
            Cardiovascular and heart disease
                  (cardiomyopathy, heart failure)
            Acute and Chronic respiratory disorders
                  (bronchitis, asthma, chronic coughing)
            Gastrointestinal disorders
                  (diarrhea, constipation, megacolon, megaesophagus, bloating)
            Reproductive disorders
                  (infertility)
            Immunological disorders
                  (autoimmune diseases such as immune mediated anemia, pemphigus, inflammatory bowel disease)
            Dermatological disorders
                  (dry itchy, moist dermatitis, lick granulomas, allergies)
            Behavioral disorders
                  (aggression, separation anxiety, phobias, compulsive behaviors)
            Neurological disorders
                  (seizures, some nerve paralysis, degenerative myelopathy, phantom pain)

               Acupuncture will cure my pet, right?
            Acupuncture does not "cure" the above disorders. While the goal would be to "cure" our patients, the above disorders are
            chronic disorders that are seldom cured. The use of acupuncture will help make    the patient more comfortable, decreases
            the frequency and severity of the symptoms, resulting in a decrease of medications needed to control the symptoms.
            Decreasing amounts of medications, especially pain medications and steroids, helps to decrease the potential harmful side effects,
            such as liver and kidney damage to the body.

              Is it painful?
           Acupuncture is performed with sterilized stainless steel/copper needles that are so thin that they are difficult to see with the naked
           eye. There is occasionally a brief moment of sensitivity as the needle penetrates the skin. Once the needles are in place and most
           animals relax. Humans tend to be more reactive with the needle placement, as Dr. Craig will herself testify.

              What should I expect in the first appointment?
           The initial consultation involves an extensive review of your pet's past and current medical history and a review of your pet's       
           routine daily behavior and body functions. A physical exam will be done involving both Modern Western and Traditional Chinese
           Medicine approaches. Needle placement may or may not be done on the first appointment. Expect the appointment to last
           a minimum of 90 minutes, if not 2 hours. 

             How often and for how long does one treat?
          The first initial consultation with physical exam will usually be an hour and a half. Subsequent treatment sessions generally last
          around 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated, the method employed and the cooperation of the pet. Once the
          needles are in place, they are not removed for 20 to 30 minutes. Methods of stimulating acupuncture points include the needles
          alone, electroacupuncture (adding electrical current to the points), aquapuncture (injecting a solution into the point), 
          moxibustion (heating the point), as well as laser acupuncture. Patients are often treated 3 to 4 times in the first month.
          After positive response to initial weekly treatments, the duration between sessions is gradually lengthened. Maintenance
          treatments are determined on a patient basis, anywhere from once a month to every two to three months. In some cases,
          treatments are suspended until the reappearance of symptoms. 

          Is it safe?
          Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies utilized when practiced by a trained acupuncturist. Side effects are rare, but
          possible. Occasionally an animal's condition may deteriorate temporarily before improving. Complications rarely, if ever
          develop because acupuncture balances the body's own systems of healing. Acupuncture with herbal therapy provides
          additional positive effects to most traditional western medical therapies. 


            References: 
            Veterinary Acupuncture: Ancient Art to Modern Medicine, Allen M. Schoen, 2001
          Acupuncture: A Scientific Appraisal, Ernst and White, 2000
          Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Xie and Preast, 2002
          Veterinary Acupuncture, Behavior & Alternative Therapies, John G. Manning, DVM., MS