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

 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, disease is an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture naturally balances the meridians energy flow to help treat the disease symptoms and to 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 dermatitis, 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.

 

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 daily routine 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 are 45 to 60 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 improvement is noted, 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. 

 

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