Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the five branches of Chinese Medicine and has been used for over 3,000 years. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body to promote a healing response. 

How does acupuncture work?

Research has shown that there is not just one mechanism of action, but rather acupuncture works at several different levels throughout the body. The insertion of the needle into a specific point can locally stimulate good inflammatory cells and increase the blood supply to an area, to help with healing or local inflammation. But the insertion of the needle also has an impact further away from where the needle is inserted. The insertion can cause the release of endorphins, serotonin and neurotransmitters that help to alleviate pain. These substances are the same substances that are released when we prescribe many of the western oral or injectable pain medications. More recent research shows that insertion of needles at specific points help with fascial release. There is ongoing research that reveals new mechanisms of action, but overall, it is accepted that there are a number of mechanisms that are in play when a needle is inserted into a specific point that has a positive effect on the body.

Do pets really let you poke them with needles?

Yes, they do!! I find most pets tolerate needle insertion very well. The needles once inserted are typically left in for 10-30 minutes. Often the clients will report that their pets are more relaxed or calm the night of acupuncture and sometimes the next day as well. Some pets don’t love acupuncture, and if I have a pet that does not enjoy their acupuncture treatment, we make changes accordingly. If acupuncture is a part of a pet’s treatment plan it needs to be a positive experience. 

Are there any side effects from acupuncture?

No! There are so few things that we do that have minimal to no risk, but acupuncture is one of them!! Many pets that I see for an initial hospice consult are on a cocktail of medications and their quality of life is not great. Or they may be a pet that is challenging to medicate. For both of these types of pets, acupuncture is a great idea to try! Acupuncture may not make them 100% better, but it is not going to make them worse. And I would rather try something that could substantially help the pet, than do nothing at all.

I know acupuncture can help with mobility but can it help with other diseases?

Yes, and yes! Acupuncture is going to have the biggest positive impact on musculoskeletal and neurologic disease processes. But it also can help with the management of chronic internal medicine disease such as inflammatory bowel disease, organ dysfunction (Liver, Kidney), endocrine diseases (Cushing’s, Thyroid, Diabetes) and many more. Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with western medication and treatment options.

In my experience, there are very few circumstances that acupuncture would be contraindicated. When I evaluate a patient for the first time, I thoroughly review medical history, have a lengthy discussion with the pet family and preform a full Western & Eastern exam on the pet. Based on all the information gathered I will make recommendations that fit the individual pet and family’s needs. Ultimately, I always listen to the pet in front of me. If that pet is not responding to the plan the way that I had expected, I will make changes accordingly.