What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin, sterile, stainless steel needles into a patient at specified points to alter the body’s biochemical and physiological properties primarily through stimulation of the central nervous system.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in humans and animals for various ailments and has been recently recognized by both the AMA (American Medical Association) and AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) as a valid treatment for various conditions ranging from chronic pain to nausea. Acupuncture is also used widely as a preventative in Asia. Research has found that it stimulates the immune system, increases appetite, and can greatly affect overall vitality.
What Animals Respond to Acupuncture?
All species can benefit from acupuncture. Dr. Johnson has experience with dogs, cats, horses, cattle and a few exotic species such as turtles, birds, and pocket pets (rats, hamsters, guinea pigs). She is also willing to treat new species, so call with any questions.
What Conditions Respond to Acupuncture?
For horses, acupuncture is again commonly used for functional problems such as:
Numerous other disorders have responed to acupuncture. If current Western medical treatments are not working, acupuncture should be considered.
How does Acupuncture Work?
A healthy body is said to be in “homeostasis” or “balance”. Illness and/or injury can cause to body to become unbalanced. Acupuncture is a key therapy use to bring the body back into its proper homeostatic state and is known to affect all major physiological systems.
Acupuncture works primarily through the central nervous system affecting musculoskeletal, hormonal and cardiovascular systems. It does more than just relieve pain. How it works depends on what condition is being treated and which points are used.
Acupuncture increases circulation, relieves muscle spasms, stimulates nerves, and stimulates the bodies’ defenses, such as the immune system. It also causes a release of many neurochemicals and hormones at both the local and central nervous system levels. Some of these neurochemicals, called endorphins, are the bodies “natural pain killing” hormones.
Does it Hurt? Is it Safe?
Most animals don’t even react to needle insertion. The needles are very thin and glide into the tissues easily. It is very common for small animals to become relaxed and some even fall asleep. Many horses drop their heads, plant their feet and stand quietly.
Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies we have if performed by a competent acupuncturist with an in depth knowledge of animal anatomy. Side effects are rare. Because acupuncture balances the bodies systems and stimulates the body to heal itself, no chemicals are used and complications seldom develop.
