Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of a variety of therapies that may be used to treat your pet. It is frequently combined with conventional Western medicine to manage a variety of conditions.
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What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been used for 4,000 years in humans and animals. It consists of inserting thin, sterile, stainless steel needles into a patient at precise locations and depths to alter the body's biochemical and physiological properties, primarily through stimulation of the central nervous system. Acupuncture is thought to increase circulation and cause the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones (some of which are known as endorphins, the natural "pain killing" hormones). It can also relieve muscle spasms and stimulate the immune system.
What responds to acupuncture?
Acupuncture is performed once or twice per week for 4-8 treatments or until the desirable effect is reached. Treatments are then tapered according to the patient's response.
How long does any acupuncture treatment last?
The length and frequency of treatments depends on the condition of the patient. The initial consult and treatment will take 60 minutes. Subsequent treatments may take approximately 30 minutes.
Is an acupuncture treatment painful?
While some pets may feel a little bit of discomfort as the needles are inserted, most relax during treatment and may even fall asleep.
Acupuncture has been used for 4,000 years in humans and animals. It consists of inserting thin, sterile, stainless steel needles into a patient at precise locations and depths to alter the body's biochemical and physiological properties, primarily through stimulation of the central nervous system. Acupuncture is thought to increase circulation and cause the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones (some of which are known as endorphins, the natural "pain killing" hormones). It can also relieve muscle spasms and stimulate the immune system.
What responds to acupuncture?
- Musculoskeletal disorders: arthritis, denegerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, post-operative orthopedic surgery.
- Neurological disorders: weakness or paralysis secondary to disc disease, seizures.
- Respiratory disorders: chronic asthmas, coughing.
- Ocular disorders: KCS (Dry Eye), uveitis.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: megacolon in cats, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic/acute diarrhea, constipation, nausea, decreased appetite.
- Cancer patients: nausea, vomiting, poor appetite.
Acupuncture is performed once or twice per week for 4-8 treatments or until the desirable effect is reached. Treatments are then tapered according to the patient's response.
How long does any acupuncture treatment last?
The length and frequency of treatments depends on the condition of the patient. The initial consult and treatment will take 60 minutes. Subsequent treatments may take approximately 30 minutes.
Is an acupuncture treatment painful?
While some pets may feel a little bit of discomfort as the needles are inserted, most relax during treatment and may even fall asleep.
