Veterinary Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles in to certain points on the body.  These points are highly specific and have designated locations that can be found by palpating depressions or very fine divots in the underlying subcutaneous or muscular tissues or by detecting them based on precise anatomic landmarks.  The acupuncture points typically lie within meridians, which are energy channels in the body.  Each meridian typically corresponds to certain body systems in Chinese medicine, which are in turn translated in to usage with western medicine.  Acupuncture points vary tremendously and are determined based on a patient’s ailment, personality, and ease of access to the points.

Acupuncture has been shown to affect all major physiologic systems.  It acts primarily on the central nervous system, but it also affects the musculoskeletal, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems.  As a result, acupuncture does more than just relieve pain.  It also increases circulation, causes a release of many neurotransmitters and endorphins, relieves muscle spasms, stimulates nerves, and stimulates the immune system.  In traditional Chinese medicine theory, diseases are caused by an imbalance of energy in the body.  Acupuncture therapy is based on bringing energy back in balance, correcting the flow of energy, and thereby healing the patient.

Acupuncture is performed with sterile, single use needles of varying lengths and gauges depending on the size of the patient and the location of the chosen points.  There are different techniques that can be employed to achieve the greatest level of success.  Common techniques include: dry needle, electroacupuncture, and aquapuncture.  Dry needle is the insertion of needles by themselves.  Electroacupuncture is the attachment of electrical leads to certain acupuncture needles to stimulate the points at varying intensities and frequencies.  Aquapuncture is the injection of acupuncture points with liquid solutions (typically saline, diluted vitamin B12, or Adequan).  With needle acupuncture, typically 15-40 needles are used per patient.  The needles are left in for 10-20 minutes.  An entire session usually lasts approximately 45 minutes.  Owners are encouraged to remain in the treatment rooms with their pets.