About Veterinary Acupuncture
Acupuncture points have been studied for over 4,000 years. It is believed that each acupuncture point communicates with a specific organ and reflects the conditions of that organ or meridian. The stimulation of each point by acupuncture can reach the related organ via the point and the meridian. When acupuncture points were dissected, it was revealed that the majority of points had an associated artery, vein and nerve. There are some points on the body that do not relate to definitive acupuncture points. These points are called “Trigger Points,” or “Ahshi Points.” Ahshi points are sensitive, non-specific acupuncture points that reflect pain or abnormalities associated with a certain part of the body. Therefore, an acupuncture treatment will consist of points for the organ, the meridian, and Ahshi points that are identified.
What can acupuncture treat?
- Cardiovascular Disease: blood pressure and arrhythmias
- Chronic Respiratory Conditions: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, acute/ chronic upper respiratory disease, allergic and infectious tracheobronchitis
- Dermatologic Disorders: pyoderma, anal sac disease
- Emergency Medicine: respiratory arrest, shock, CPR
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: motility, gastric ulcers, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation
- Immunologic Disorders: feline lymphocytic-plasmacytic gingivitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), immune-mediated joint disease
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: arthritis, hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament rupture, patellar instability
- Neurologic Disorders: nerve growth stimulation and trauma recovery
- Reproductive Disorders: anestrus, cystic ovaries, impotence, abortion/dystocia, retained placenta, uterine prolapse, post operative spay/castration analgesia
- Urologic Disorders: Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS), Kidney failure
Acupuncture cannot heal fractures nor make cancerous growths resolve. However, acupuncture can alleviate certain problems associated with structural issues or secondary problems associated with diseases of the body.
Veterinary acupuncture is a treatment modality that will benefit an animal by correcting the problem, relaxing the pet, and bringing the body back into balance.