Acupuncture is a Chinese healing art, which has been practiced for over 3000 years. The ancient Chinese observed that the stimulation of specific areas of the body surface could relieve pain and discomfort. These areas were called acupuncture points and have been mapped and recorded over millennia. Acupuncture may be defined as the stimulation of a specific point on the body by a specific method (usually with a needle) to achieve a therapeutic effect. Acupuncture is used worldwide, either by itself or in conjunction with western medicine, herbs or other forms of therapy for a wide variety of illnesses in many species of animals. Acupuncture is not a cure-all, but can work very well when indicated.

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?

Acupuncture is used mainly to treat conditions that are functional in nature such as pain, inflammation, some allergic conditions and many of the chronic changes that occur in the body associated with the aging process. For our pets the most common conditions treated with acupuncture are musculoskeletal problems such as sprains, arthritis, hip dysplasia, or vertebral disc pathology (neck or back pain, weakness or paralysis).

How does acupuncture work?

In Western 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 spasms, and cause the release of hormones such as endorphins (one of the bodies pain control chemicals) and cortisol (a natural steroid). Although many of acupunctures physiological effects have been studied, many more are still unknown. In traditional Chinese medical philosophy acupuncture stimulation is thought to reduce pathologic blockages or imbalances of the body’s vital energy force (called “Chi”) thereby allowing the return of free flow of this life energy throughout the body. This can reduce pain and may enable the body to heal itself and return to a state of balance.

Is acupuncture painful?

For small animals the insertion of needles is usually painless. In humans, reports of tingling, cramping and numbness have been reported during treatments and it is assumed animals may also have these sensations. These sensations are a normal part of the acupuncture treatment and cause no harm. Some animals become very relaxed and may even become sleepy during an acupuncture treatment.

Is acupuncture safe for animals?

Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when a properly trained veterinarian administers it. Side effects are rare, and are usually seen in the form of lethargy and or sleepiness for 24 hours following a treatment. Occasionally an animal’s condition may seem worse for a brief period following treatment. These effects indicate physiologic changes are taking place and are often followed by an improvement in the animals condition.

How long do acupuncture treatments take and how often are they given?

The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments depends on the condition of the patient and the method of stimulation used by the veterinary acupuncturist. Stimulation of an individual acupuncture point may take as little as 10 seconds or as long as 30 minutes. A simple problem may take only 1-2 treatments while a serious or chronic problem may require multiple treatments. When multiple treatments are necessary, they usually begin intensively and are tapered to maximum efficacy. Patients are often treated 1-2 times a week for 4-6 weeks. A positive response is usually seen within the first four treatments. Once a maximum positive response is achieved (usually after 4-8 treatments), the treatments are tapered off so the greatest amount of symptom free time elapses between them. Many animals with chronic conditions can be tapered off to 2-4 treatments per year.