Veterinary Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine has four main components: acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, and Tui-na (medical manipulation). Acupuncture usually involves the insertion of thin sterile needles into discrete and specific points on the body in order to cause a therapeutic effect. The point on the body is called “Shu-xu” or the acupoint. The ancient Chinese discovered 361 acupoints in humans and 173 acupoints in animals. Acupuncture helps to bring an individuals body into balance. Health can be defined as the balance in an individual’s body as well as the balance between body and mind, and the individual and their environment.  Acupuncture has been practiced in both animals and humans for thousands of years in China.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Modern research shows that acupoints are located in the areas where there are a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and lymphatic vessels. Most acupoints are motor points. A number of studies indicate that the stimulation of acupoints induces the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters

What is Qi?

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the life force or vital energy. There are two contrasting forms of Qi: Yin and Yang. Yin energy tends to be cool, dark, still, and moving downward. Yang energy is warm, light, mobile, expanding, and moving upward. Qi flows throughout the body maintaining a balance of Yin and Yang. When the flow of Qi is interrupted, the balance of Yin and Yang is disrupted and disease occurs. Pain is the blockage of Qi flow. Acupuncture stimulation resolves this blockage, freeing the flow of Qi and enabling the body to heal itself. Homeostasis is restored when Yin and Yang Qi are in balance. Qi flows through the body in pathways called channels or meridians.

What is a Channel or Meridian?

A channel or Meridian is where Qi flows inside the body. There are 12 Regular Channels and 8 Extraordinary Channels. The acupoints are located along these Channels. Each Regular Channel is related to specific paired organs. Acupoints along the channels can be used to treat disease in the organs with which they are associated.

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Is acupuncture safe?

Yes! Acupuncture is a very safe medical procedure when administered by a qualified practitioner. Treatments take 20 to 45 minutes. Needles are inserted into the chosen acupoints and left in place for 15 to 20 minutes. The first session usually takes longer than follow-up appointments. Results can be seen immediately but sometimes are not seen until several treatments have been completed.

Cautions and contraindications

Acupuncture should be used with caution in fractures, pregnancy, and open wounds and tumors.

Herbal Medicine

Many acupuncturists combine acupuncture with herbal medicine because it enhances the effectiveness of acupuncture.