Acupuncture

Acupuncture can help companion animals by:

• Providing pain relief
• Controlling inflammation
• Improving energy levels
• Maintaining good health through immune system support
• Balancing appetite
• Controlling the side effects of some medications such as chemotherapy agents
• Reducing the need for some medications such as carprofen and prednisone
• Helping to stabilize diabetic patients
• Relieving anxiety
• Supporting an individual during recovery from surgery or illness
• Supporting geriatric patients

Acupuncture has been practiced for more than 3500 years in eastern cultures to provide care for both humans and animals. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy, disease or poor health is due to an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is a means to balance this energy and help the body to heal itself.

Acupuncture can assist an individual in healing by stimulating physiologic changes in the body. Research has shown that the acupuncture points have increased numbers of small blood vessels, nerve ending and lymphatic vessels when compared to the surrounding tissues. Placing a needle in an acupuncture point can stimulate the nervous system, increase blood circulation to an area, and release substances in the body that are natural pain relievers, anti- inflammatory agents and immune system stimulants. Acupuncture is often combined with more traditional forms of medical care in order to achieve optimal health.

Treatments:

Each acupuncture treatment is tailored to the needs of the individual. Acupuncture points are selected based on the condition and overall health of the patient. Needle placement causes little or no discomfort. For most conditions the needles are left in place for 10 to 20 minutes, and many patients actually become relaxed and sleepy during this time.

The frequency and number of treatments needed depends on the health condition and the response to care. An acute problem may resolve after several treatments. Chronic problems are typically treated weekly for 3 to 4 weeks. Once an optimum response is seen, the treatments are spaced as far apart as possible to maintain good health.