What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the treatment of conditions or symptoms by the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body in order to produce a response. It is a method of health care that roots from ancient china. Today acupuncture is recognized throughout the world as a safe and effective form of medicine which requires extensive training for its proper practice.
The specific acupuncture points have been well charted for both animals and humans. Many of these channels trace the paths of the body’s major nerve trunks.
Each acupuncture point has specific actions when stimulated. Combinations of points are often stimulated to take advantage of synergistic reactions between them. Which acupuncture points are stimulated, the depth of the needle insertion, the type of stimulation applied to the needles, and the duration of each treatment session depends on the patient’s tolerance, and the condition being treated.
Which specifies of animals is acupuncture practiced regularly?
​Acupuncture can be used on all species of animals. It tends to be more frequently used in companion animals such as dogs, cats and horses. Most animals will tolerate the treatments very well. Some animals require gentle restraint during the initial treatment to minimize discomfort. Most animals tend to relax and sit or lie for following acupuncture sessions.
​What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?
In veterinary medicine, there is evidence of the success of acupuncture for treating disorders of musculoskeletal, neurologic, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, pulmonary, and reproductive systems. The most common conditions that acupuncture is used to treat include intervertebral disc disease, back pain, neck pain, degenerative myelopathy, osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, traumatic nerve injuries, chronic pain, wobblers disease, allergic dermatitis, other central nervous system disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders.
How can animals benefit from acupuncture?
Acupuncture stimulates healing and can provide effective pain relief. It may eliminate the need for surgery in some conditions. If used post surgery, it can improve the patients’ comfort level and ultimately reduce the post-op recovery time. Acupuncture can also be used in patients that have medical conditions that prevent them from taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or other pain medications that they can not tolerate to control pain.
Is veterinary acupuncture safe?
When used by a professionally trained veterinarian in acupuncture reactions are rare. Reactions that may occur include mild bruising or swelling at the needle insertion site, mild worsening of the condition for a short time, injury to an underlying tissue, or an infection at the needle site. Certain points are contraindicated in pregnant animals.
What is the cost for veterinary acupuncture?
Please see professional fees for cost of acupuncture
Our mobile service avoids the stress that may occur with a traditional veterinary visit and provides a family-oriented approach to pain management and improving your pet’s mobility. Please contact us at 951-758-8365 or serenityvetoffice@gmail.com if you feel your pet may be a candidate for acupuncture.
