Dr. Robert E. Woods, DVM, CVA
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Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of
needles into specific points on the body to cause
desired healing effects. This technique has been used
in veterinary practice in China for at least 3000 years
to treat many ailments.
Modern veterinary acupuncturists use solid needles,
hypodermic needles, bleeding needles, electricity,
heat, massage, and low power lasers to stimulate
acupuncture points. Acupuncture is not a cure-all, but
can work very well when it is indicated.
Modern research revealed that acupuncture points
are located in areas where there is a high density or
free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and
lymphatic vessels. Studies indicate that the
stimulation of acupuncture points induces release of
beta-endorphin, serotonin, and other
neurotransmitters.
According to ancient Chinese medical philosophy,
disease is the result of an imbalance of energy in the
body. This energy is called Qi or "Chi". Acupuncture is
believed to balance this energy and, thereby, assist
the body to heal disease.
In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body to
heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes.
For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves,
increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and
cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins
(one of the body's pain control chemicals) and cortisol
(a natural steroid).
For small animals, the insertion of acupuncture
needles is virtually painless. Acupuncture is one of
the safest forms of medical treatment for animals
when it is administered by a properly trained
veterinarian. Side effects of acupuncture are rare, but
they do exist. An animal's condition may seem worse
for up to 48 hours after a treatment. Other animals
may become sleepy or lethargic for 24 hours after
acupuncture. These side effects are most often
followed by an improvement in the animals condition.
The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments
depends on the condition of the patient and the
method of stimulation that is used by the veterinary
acupuncturist. A simple acute problem, such as a
sprain, may require only one treatment, whereas
more severe or chronic ailments may need several or
several dozen treatments.
needles into specific points on the body to cause
desired healing effects. This technique has been used
in veterinary practice in China for at least 3000 years
to treat many ailments.
Modern veterinary acupuncturists use solid needles,
hypodermic needles, bleeding needles, electricity,
heat, massage, and low power lasers to stimulate
acupuncture points. Acupuncture is not a cure-all, but
can work very well when it is indicated.
Modern research revealed that acupuncture points
are located in areas where there is a high density or
free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and
lymphatic vessels. Studies indicate that the
stimulation of acupuncture points induces release of
beta-endorphin, serotonin, and other
neurotransmitters.
According to ancient Chinese medical philosophy,
disease is the result of an imbalance of energy in the
body. This energy is called Qi or "Chi". Acupuncture is
believed to balance this energy and, thereby, assist
the body to heal disease.
In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body to
heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes.
For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves,
increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and
cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins
(one of the body's pain control chemicals) and cortisol
(a natural steroid).
For small animals, the insertion of acupuncture
needles is virtually painless. Acupuncture is one of
the safest forms of medical treatment for animals
when it is administered by a properly trained
veterinarian. Side effects of acupuncture are rare, but
they do exist. An animal's condition may seem worse
for up to 48 hours after a treatment. Other animals
may become sleepy or lethargic for 24 hours after
acupuncture. These side effects are most often
followed by an improvement in the animals condition.
The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments
depends on the condition of the patient and the
method of stimulation that is used by the veterinary
acupuncturist. A simple acute problem, such as a
sprain, may require only one treatment, whereas
more severe or chronic ailments may need several or
several dozen treatments.
Acupuncture
Currently a member of:
American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society
American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society
Published Article in the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association:
Pulse: Complementary Medicine: Acupuncture in Veterinary Practice
Pulse: Complementary Medicine: Acupuncture in Veterinary Practice
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