Acupuncture for Healing & Recovery Support
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), acupuncture is used as a way to promote the healing process for cats and dogs by renewing the balance of energy throughout their body.
This ancient form of medicine is based on the philosophy that illness is caused by an imbalance of vital energies in the body. In modern terms, acupuncture can help by improving blood flow, which boosts oxygenation in tissues. This can help to address a number of secondary concerns that occur with illness and injury including pain.
At Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, we believe that by incorporating acupuncture into your pet's treatment plan, along with other therapies, we can help address all systems within their body. This helps us to ensure that your furry friend has the best possible outlook during recovery.
Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists
Our CVAs believe in treating your pet as a whole, which includes the use of acupuncture and other therapies. They offer specialized experienced in treating various conditions and ailments to help ensure a complete recovery for your pet.
The Acupuncture Technique
Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into an animal's body at precise points called meridians, where the blood vessels converge with the nerves.
The needles help guide vital energy along these meridians, supporting the nervous system and promoting circulation while enhancing the body's healing abilities.
The three main types of acupuncture our Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists use:
- Dry Needle
Dry needle acupuncture is the most common form of acupuncture used by our CVAs.
The needles will be inserted as they are for this type of acupuncture but can be used in conjunction with other therapies and other types of acupuncture.
- Electroacupuncture
With electroacupuncture, electrical leads are attached to specific acupuncture needles to stimulate the points at varying intensities and frequencies.
- Aquapuncture
If your pet has aquapuncture, the specialist will inject the acupuncture points with liquid solutions (typically saline, diluted vitamin B12, or Adequan).
Common Acupuncture Uses
Our vets often recommend the use of acupuncture alongside traditional veterinary medicine and care.
Veterinary acupuncture may be used for many different functional issues such as pain and inflammation. Some of the most common concerns this may help with include:
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Dermatology & Skin Issues
Acupuncture treatment can help encourage increased circulation. This can help with the treatment of skin conditions such as hot spots, granulomas and allergic dermatitis. It can also improve healing and reduce pain, leading to less itching and subsequent over-grooming.
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Gastrointestinal Issues
Acupuncture may stimulate digestive secretions, which helps to promote healthy digestive activity. The subsequent increase in blood flow that can occur may help to alleviate diarrhea or nausea.
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Musculoskeletal Issues
Acupuncture is a common choice to help with rehabilitation after injuries or surgical procedures. Conditions such as arthritis, nerve injuries and hip dysplasia also tend to respond well to acupuncture.
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Pain Management
Medical treatments such as chemotherapy may cause uncomfortable symptoms for your furry friend. Acupuncture can be combined with oncology treatments to help relieve some discomfort, helping your cat or dog fight their illness.
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Respiratory Issues
The immune-calming and anti-inflammatory capabilities of acupuncture treatment may be able to help improve the symptoms of asthma, allergies and other conditions in your pet.
The Benefits of Acupuncture for Pets
With veterinary acupuncture, your pet will experience several benefits including:
- Reduction in the amount of waste products produced
- Relaxation of muscles and increased pain relief
- Improved metabolic waste removal from the body
- Increased blood flow which boosts oxygen in tissues
- Promotes the healing of damaged tissues and structures
Physical Therapy & Rehab
Our state-of-the-art hospital offers electrical stimulation, low-level laser therapy, and therapeutic exercise equipment. These treatments are often recommended in conjunction with other therapies such as acupuncture.
Multimodal treatment plans are beneficial for treating all aspects of your pet's condition from improving mobility with physical therapy to reducing pain and inflammation with acupuncture, and more.