Acupuncture
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture-needling consists of inserting sterile acupuncture needles in certain spots of the body associated with nerve and blood flor pathways. Needling specific points leads to the release of chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemical mediators can change the perception of pain and lead to release of other chemical mediators that influence organ function. This improved “chemical communication” stimulates healing.
What happens during an acupuncture session?
Needles are placed and typically left in for about 20 minutes. Most pets adapt well to therapy and often will relax during their session and sometimes even fall asleep! Acupuncture therapy is meant to be a calm time. Most acupuncture therapy sessions will also be followed up with some gentle massage which pets often enjoy.
What medical issues is acupuncture good for?
There is good evidence that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, skin, reproductive, neurologic, behavioral disorders, as well as for stress. In cancer patients, acupuncture can be extremely effective for the alleviation of pain, fatigue, treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, inappetence, and improving the quality of life.
