Acupuncture points can usually be felt as small depressions on the
body surface. These depressions have small nerve endings. When the small nerve
is followed from it’s ending in the skin, the pathway eventually enters the spinal
cord, leaves the spinal cord, and travels to the organ or structure with which it
is associated. So even if the point is far away from the area being treated, these
acupuncture points do have a nerve connection.
There are chemicals in the body that regulate the pain response - some
of these chemicals are called endorphins. Endorphins are released which help the brain
to be less sensitive to pain. Acupuncture points can help with the release of
endorphins and results in a decrease in painful responses within the nervous
system. The nerve system in the body also influences how well organs are
functioning, how an animal feels, and how the immune system responds to problems.
Acupuncture is not a miracle cure for disease. It is an alternative
to the Western medical approach and can offer another treatment option. It can be
used to help with: arthritis, surgical pain, anesthesia, organ dysfunction,
allergies, as well as other problems. Studies have been done across the world
showing acupuncture leads to improved results with such diseases as liver,
pancreatic, kidney, and gastrointestinal disease.
When an animal is treated with acupuncture, we have to look at
things through the eyes of the Eastern practices. Because the Chinese have been
using acupuncture successfully for over 2000 years, trying to use acupuncture through
Western terms would be inappropriate. The holistic approach to an animal and its
environment are what ensure acupuncture’s effectiveness. So although Western
medicine has shown us there is a scientific explanation for why it works,
veterinary acupuncturists approach disease from a traditional Chinese
medical aspect. This is because to best treat an animal with traditional
Chinese medicine, an acupuncturist has to incorporate theories
developed centuries ago.
What does it feel like?
Acupuncture needles are very thin and smooth. They enter the
skin almost unnoticed. Human patients report a feeling of heaviness, distention,
cramping, soreness, warmth, numbness and sometimes discomfort. In general, the
overall effect is one of relaxation. Many animals will actually fall asleep
during their treatments in a veterinary office. In older animals that have
a chronic disease, sometimes the stimulation can be enough to worsen the signs
of the disease for 24-72 hours. After that period of time, the body begins
to re-balance and often this is when owners will report significant evidence
of improvement.
How often will my pet need treatments?
Initially, it is best to start with 4 to 6 consecutive
treatments (usually once a week), depending on the severity and duration of
the problem. After the initial treatments, treatments can usually be spaced
at every month to six months for maintenance.
Is it safe?
In general, acupuncture is very safe. The needles used
are one-time needles that are sterile, so the risk of infection is minimal.
Most animals will not be given acupuncture if they are pregnant. It is also
necessary to have an accurate medical diagnosis to assure that all treatment
options can be discussed.