Frequently Asked Questions:
1. WHAT CONDITIONS RESPOND TO ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is mainly indicated for functional problems such as those that involve
pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, arthritis, and paralysis. For small animals,
the following are some conditions which may be treated with acupuncture:
1. Musculoskeletal and neurological problems
For horses, acupuncture is again commonly used for functional problems.
Examples include:
1. Musculoskeletal problems
2. HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
A healthy body is said to be in ‘homeostasis’ or ‘balance’. Illness and/or injury
cause the body to become unbalanced. Acupuncture is a key therapy used to
bring the body back into its proper homeostatic state and is known to affect all
major physiological systems. It works primarily through the central nervous
system affecting the musculoskeletal, hormonal and cardiovascular systems. It
does more than relieve pain. How it works depends on what condition one is
treating and which points are utilized. Acupuncture increases circulation, causes a
release of many neurochemicals, some of which are endorphins, the body’s
“natural pain-killing” hormones, relieves muscle spasms, stimulates nerves,
stimulates the body’s defense systems, as well as numerous other beneficial
effects.
3. IS ACUPUNCTURE PAINFUL? HOW WILL MY ANIMAL REACT?
For small animals, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless.
Once the needles are in place, there should be no pain. Most animals become
very relaxed and may even become sleepy.
4. IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
Acupuncture is performed with sterile, thin stainless steel needles. It is one of the
safest therapies utilized if practiced by a competent acupuncturist. Side effects are
rare. Because acupuncture balances the body’s own system of healing and no
chemicals are administered, complications rarely, if ever, develop.
5. HOW LONG DO ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS LAST AND HOW OFTEN ARE
THEY GIVEN?
The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments depends on the condition of
the patient. Treatments may last up to 30 minutes. There are many ways of
stimulating acupuncture points, including needles, electro-acupuncture,
aquapuncture (injecting a solution into a point), and moxibustion (heating the
point).
Typically, a dog or cat is treated once a week and a positive response is observed
after the first to third treatments. A simple acute problem, such as a sprain, may
require only one treatment, while more chronic conditions may need 3-6
treatments to obtain a maximum response. Treatments for chronic conditions can
often be tapered off to 2-4 treatments per year.
Horses typically respond well after the first treatment. Often a second treatment
will provide the maximum benefit. Horses with joint arthritis may need 2-4
treatments per year to relieve back pain.
1. WHAT CONDITIONS RESPOND TO ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is mainly indicated for functional problems such as those that involve
pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, arthritis, and paralysis. For small animals,
the following are some conditions which may be treated with acupuncture:
1. Musculoskeletal and neurological problems
- • Arthritis and hip dysplasia
• Intervertebral disk disease
• Nerve injuries, paralysis
- • Lick granulomas
• Allergies
- • Diarrhea, vomiting
- • Feline asthma
• Urine spraying
For horses, acupuncture is again commonly used for functional problems.
Examples include:
1. Musculoskeletal problems
- • Back pain
• Shortened stride, cross-firing
• Inability to take a lead
• Sacroiliac disorders
• Founder
• Tendon injuries
- • Non-surgical and/or recurrent colic
• Diarrhea
- • Heaves
• Nose bleeds
- • Infertility
2. HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
A healthy body is said to be in ‘homeostasis’ or ‘balance’. Illness and/or injury
cause the body to become unbalanced. Acupuncture is a key therapy used to
bring the body back into its proper homeostatic state and is known to affect all
major physiological systems. It works primarily through the central nervous
system affecting the musculoskeletal, hormonal and cardiovascular systems. It
does more than relieve pain. How it works depends on what condition one is
treating and which points are utilized. Acupuncture increases circulation, causes a
release of many neurochemicals, some of which are endorphins, the body’s
“natural pain-killing” hormones, relieves muscle spasms, stimulates nerves,
stimulates the body’s defense systems, as well as numerous other beneficial
effects.
3. IS ACUPUNCTURE PAINFUL? HOW WILL MY ANIMAL REACT?
For small animals, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless.
Once the needles are in place, there should be no pain. Most animals become
very relaxed and may even become sleepy.
4. IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
Acupuncture is performed with sterile, thin stainless steel needles. It is one of the
safest therapies utilized if practiced by a competent acupuncturist. Side effects are
rare. Because acupuncture balances the body’s own system of healing and no
chemicals are administered, complications rarely, if ever, develop.
5. HOW LONG DO ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS LAST AND HOW OFTEN ARE
THEY GIVEN?
The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments depends on the condition of
the patient. Treatments may last up to 30 minutes. There are many ways of
stimulating acupuncture points, including needles, electro-acupuncture,
aquapuncture (injecting a solution into a point), and moxibustion (heating the
point).
Typically, a dog or cat is treated once a week and a positive response is observed
after the first to third treatments. A simple acute problem, such as a sprain, may
require only one treatment, while more chronic conditions may need 3-6
treatments to obtain a maximum response. Treatments for chronic conditions can
often be tapered off to 2-4 treatments per year.
Horses typically respond well after the first treatment. Often a second treatment
will provide the maximum benefit. Horses with joint arthritis may need 2-4
treatments per year to relieve back pain.
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Integrative Veterinary Services
