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WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very small needles into specific points on the body to produce healing effects. The effects are caused by release of endorphins (natural pain killers), nerve stimulation, increased blood flow and immune system stimulation. Sometimes the needles are stimulated with an electric current. This is called electroacupuncture.
Acupuncture is one of the earliest forms of medical treatment, veterinary acupuncture originated in China around 2,200-3,000 BC to treat medical conditions as well as a preventative medicine.
FOR WHAT CONDITIONS CAN ACUPUNCTURE BE USED?
Acupuncture is used for functional problems. It can be helpful for lots of different conditions, either alone or in combination with other medicines. Some common conditions are:
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
The needles used for acupuncture are very small. Most animals accept the needles very well and some will actually relax and fall asleep while the needles are in place.
HOW SAFE IS ACUPUNCTURE?
When performed by a trained veterinarian, acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment. Side effects are rare. Occasionally an animal may be sleepy or weak for 24 hours following acupuncture. Sometimes an animal's condition may seem to worsen for the first 48 hours, but is then followed by improvement in the condition. One of the many benefits of acupuncture is that it does not interact with any medications, so it can be used along with other treatments.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING AN ACUPUNCTURE VISIT?
The initial visit starts with a lot of questions about your pet's history, problems and personality. There will also be a discussion about your goals of treatment. Then, a physical exam will be performed. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment will be started. Treatment takes between 20-45 minutes, depending on what forms of acupuncture are used.
Acupuncture is the insertion of very small needles into specific points on the body to produce healing effects. The effects are caused by release of endorphins (natural pain killers), nerve stimulation, increased blood flow and immune system stimulation. Sometimes the needles are stimulated with an electric current. This is called electroacupuncture.
Acupuncture is one of the earliest forms of medical treatment, veterinary acupuncture originated in China around 2,200-3,000 BC to treat medical conditions as well as a preventative medicine.
FOR WHAT CONDITIONS CAN ACUPUNCTURE BE USED?
Acupuncture is used for functional problems. It can be helpful for lots of different conditions, either alone or in combination with other medicines. Some common conditions are:
- back pain, paralysis or weakness
- epilepsy
- chronic pain
- hip dysplasia
- central nervous system disorders (asthma, lick granulomas, and allergic dermatitis)
- arthritis
- degenerative myelopathy
- intervertebral disk disease
- allergies
- vomiting and/or diarrhea
- respiratory problems
- kidney failure
- liver disease
- cancer
- behavioral problems
- traumatic nerve injuries
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
The needles used for acupuncture are very small. Most animals accept the needles very well and some will actually relax and fall asleep while the needles are in place.
HOW SAFE IS ACUPUNCTURE?
When performed by a trained veterinarian, acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment. Side effects are rare. Occasionally an animal may be sleepy or weak for 24 hours following acupuncture. Sometimes an animal's condition may seem to worsen for the first 48 hours, but is then followed by improvement in the condition. One of the many benefits of acupuncture is that it does not interact with any medications, so it can be used along with other treatments.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING AN ACUPUNCTURE VISIT?
The initial visit starts with a lot of questions about your pet's history, problems and personality. There will also be a discussion about your goals of treatment. Then, a physical exam will be performed. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment will be started. Treatment takes between 20-45 minutes, depending on what forms of acupuncture are used.