Acupuncture is a key part of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).  From a TCVM perspective, the body is viewed with all components interacting together to produce balance and health. When one component is out of balance, disease and imbalance occurs. TCVM therapy is to identify what areas of the body are out of balance, and to bring harmony to the organ systems.  Acupuncture is an important part of doing this. 

 

From a Western Medicine understanding, acupuncture points are areas with a high concentration of nerve bundles and blood vessels. Acupuncture enhances blood circulation, nervous system stimulation, muscle relaxation, endorphin release, and anti-inflammatory and pain relieving hormone release. Acupuncture can be safely used to treat a variety of illnesses such as arthritis,  allergies, digestive problems, spinal disease including disc disease and paralysis, incontinence, and neurologic disease.

 

A typical acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of very fine needles into acupuncture points. Needles are usually dipped into vitamin B12 before insertion, which causes a greater response. Needles usually remain in place for 20 minutes, but may be removed sooner or kept in longer longer depending on the case. 

 

After needles are removed, patients usually receive aqua-acupuncture; which is injection of vitamin B12 into 2-4 acupuncture points. This vitamin B12 will be absorbed roughly 3 days and can cause some stimulation of the point as it is absorbed. 

 

Other acupuncture therapies that may be used include electro-acupuncture and moxibustion. Electro-acupuncture involves attaching electrodes to certain acupuncture needles. This functions like a TENS unit, but with much less electricity and causes the sensation of needles vibrating and thus a stronger response at the acupuncture point. Moxibustion is a stimulation of acupuncture points with heat from the lit end of a packed stick of herbs. The herb used in moxibustion is Artemesia, the common name being Mugwort. 

 

Patients usually start with frequent acupuncture treatments (once or twice weekly) that are then tapered off to a less frequent interval for maintenance. Although acupuncture is a useful and effective tool in managing health, it won't work for every patient. Acupuncture must be performed for 3 treatments to determine if it will be a good therapy for your pet’s situation.