Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is an important part of the traditional Chinese medicine TCM. It is defined as the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to produce a healing response. Each acupuncture point has specific actions when stimulated and this leads to specific changes in the central nervous system. It was shown that acupuncture points that have pain relieving properties associated with them tend to activate specific pain-association brainstem regions. This technique has been used in China for thousands of years to treat many ailments. The Chinese also use acupuncture as preventative medicine. Acupuncture is used all around the world, either alone or in conjunction with Western medicine, to treat a wide variety of conditions in every species of animal. It will not cure every condition, but it can work very well when it is indicated.
The purpose of acupuncture is the circulation of Qi, Blood and body fluids throughout the body. The movement needs to go from below to above, above to below, from the interior to the exterior and the exterior to the interior. Only when the vital substances are in good quantity and quality and are being delivered to the tissues and organs will the body be in health. This movement is facilitated by a system of channels.
The Chinese medical theory is based on Yin and Yang – the basis of all things. Yin represents foundation, substance, mass while Yang represents function, action, energy. They complete each other and create each other. One cannot exist without the other and they must exist in balance.
In western medical terms, acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body’s pain control chemicals) and cortisol (a natural steroid). Although many of acupuncture’s physiological effects have been studied, many more are still unknown.
When to use Acupuncture
Acupuncture is indicated for functional problems and does an amazing job bringing everything in the body back into balance.
- Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis, intervertebral disk disease, or traumatic nerve injury, sore backs
- Myofascial pain syndrome and myofascial trigger points
- Respiratory problems (heaves, bleeders)
- Skin problems
- Gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, impaction, repeated colics)
- Selected reproductive problems
- Allergies
- Chronic pain
- Neurological problems
- Selected reproductive problems
In addition, regular acupuncture treatment can treat minor sports injuries as they occur and help to keep muscles and tendons resistant to injury. World-class professional and amateur athletes often use acupuncture as a routine part of their training. If your animals are involved in any athletic endeavour, such as racing, jumping, or showing, acupuncture can help them keep in top physical condition.
Is Acupuncture Painful?
For small animals, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. The larger needles necessary for large animals may cause some pain as the needle passes through the skin. In all animals, once the needles are in place, there should be no pain. Most animals become very relaxed and may even become sleepy. Nevertheless, acupuncture treatment may cause some sensation, presumed to be those such as tingles, cramps, or numbness which can occur in humans and which may be uncomfortable to some animals.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Side effects of acupuncture are rare, but they do exist. An animal’s condition may seem worse for up to 48 hours after a treatment. Other animals become lethargic or sleepy for 24 hours. These effects are an indication that some physiological changes are developing, and they are most often followed by an improvement in the animal’s condition.
How many treatments does my animal need?
The success of the treatment will vary according to the condition being treated. The length and frequency of the treatments depends on the condition of the patient and the method of stimulation (dry needle, electroacupuncture, aquapuncture, etc.) that is used. A simple acute problem, such as a sprain, may require only one treatment, whereas more severe or chronic ailments may need several treatments.
Who can perform Acupuncture in animals?
There are two important criteria you should look for in a veterinary acupuncturist:
- Your veterinary acupuncturists must be a licensed veterinarian.
- Your veterinary acupuncturist should have formal training in the practice of veterinary acupuncture.
Because of the differences in anatomy, and the potential for harm if the treatments are done incorrectly, only a properly trained veterinarian should perform acupuncture on animals. The proper training for a veterinarian would include an extensive post-doctoral educational program in veterinary acupuncture. The more your veterinarian knows about traditional Chinese philosophies and the western scientific basis for acupuncture the more you can be assured that your animals will be treated properly.
