Acupuncture? For my pet?!?
“Of all the complementary therapies studied, acupuncture brings with it the biggest weight of evidence and clarity as to its scientific basis and effectiveness.”— Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, FAAMA, Dip.ABMA
Director, Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain Medicine
Colorado State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Acupuncture is a healing art that originated in China over 4,000 years ago. It is the practice of using needles to stimulate specific points on the body to manipulate the energy force (Qi), which runs through the body. If the flow of Qi in the body is insufficient, unbalanced, or obstructed then disease results. Qi travels in channels in the body. The acupuncture points are specific locations where the channels come to the surface of the skin and are easily accessible. By needling specific points, balance can be restored to the body and allow it to heal itself. Acupuncture can be used to treat specific symptoms while also working on the root of the disease.
In veterinary medicine, acupuncture has been used as a successful complementary treatment for:
- Pain control
- Musculoskeletal disease
- Neurologic disease
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Skin disorders
- Behavioral problems
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory disease
- Urogenital disease
- Immune Stimulation
Acupuncture is a natural alternative therapy that enlists the body's healing mechanisms to maintain homeostasis and manage disease processes. It is not painful, and your pet may only feel the needle as it goes through the skin (if at all). Many animals relax and may even fall asleep with their needles in place. Acupuncture is also one of the safest therapies available when practiced by a competent veterinary acupuncturist. Unlike with medications, side effects are rare.
The main disadvantage of acupuncture stems from a misunderstanding of what to expect from its use: the belief that the pet will miraculously improve, that all conditions can be treated with acupuncture, and that the animal will only need one treatment.
Interested in learning if acupuncture is right for your pet? Call us at Levittown Animal Hospital today, and we will put you in touch with our consulting acupuncturist, Dr. Nina Malik, who will be happy to answer all of your questions.
Online Resources
Natural Healing Articles by Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, FAAMA
www.csuvets.colostate.edu
American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture
www.aava.org
American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
www.ahvma.org
