Acupuncture uses tiny needles placed in precisely located acupoints to improve health and well-being by balancing the flow of energy in the body. It is an ancient art that has been practiced for over 2000 years; today, more than ten thousand modern scientific studies demonstrate its effectiveness. Veterinary acupuncture is widely accepted as a valuable part of modern pet healthcare.
Veterinary Acupuncture
Ancient Chinese texts show that acupuncturists have been treating animals almost as long as they have treated people. The past 20 years have seen a rapid expansion in the use of veterinary acupuncture in animal medicine all over the world. Pets respond to acupuncture just as people do, and they typically tolerate the needles surprisingly well.
Acupuncture can be used to treat any health problem and can be a helpful part of integrative treatment using a combination of conventional (Western) and Eastern approaches. It seems that veterinary acupuncture may be most effective in treating pain; neurologic injuries and dysfunction; immune-mediated problems such as allergies; chronic issues like arthritis, digestive problems, insomnia, behavior issues; and as an adjunct to cancer care especially in the treatment of side effects. Because treatment is based on the physical exam and observed signs and symptoms, we don’t require Western diagnostic tests to use acupuncture effectively, although we can use that information to help with the treatment plan.
Veterinary acupuncture treats the whole being, not just one specific problem. Therefore we often find after several months of treatment that not only is an old cat’s hip pain better, but her digestion and sleep patterns have improved, and she is overall happier and healthier.
For More Information
Please read the FAQ section to learn more.