Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acupuncture?
What is the history of Acupuncture?
What are Acupuncture methods and goals?
How safe is Acupuncture therapy?
How long does each treatment last and how many treatments are needed?
Does Acupuncture hurt?
How much does a Veterinary Acupuncture treatment cost?
Who is qualified to perform Veterinary Acupuncture?
What physiological effects are induced by Acupuncture?
When is Acupuncture indicated?
Why is Acupuncture frequently combined with herbs?
What about chiropractic and massage?
What role does nutrition play?
What is Vital Energy, or Qi?

Acupuncture

sampleAcupuncture may be defined as the stimulation of a specific point on the body with a specific method, resulting in a therapeutic homeostatic effect. The specific point on the body is called "shu-xu" or acupuncture point. The ancient Chinese people discovered 361 acupoints in human beings and 173 in animals.

Modern research shows that acupoints are located in the areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels. Most acupoints are motor points. A great number of studies indicate that stimulation of acupoints induce release of beta-endorphin, serotonin and other neuro-transmitters. Therefore, acupuncture for pain relief is well supported by these scientific studies. As more studies are conducted the mechanism of these ancient therapy will be better understood.

History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been practiced in both animals and human beings for thousands of years in China.  The earliest veterinary acupuncture book "Bo Le Zhen Jing" (Boles's Canon of Veterinary Acupuncture) is believed to have been written by Dr. Bo Le in Qin-mu-gong period (659 B.C. to 621 B. C.).  Veterinary treatment protocols using acupuncture were well documented in this textbook.  Since then, acupuncture was and is still a part of the mainstream veterinary medical system in China.

Acupuncture Methods and Goals

Acupoints may be stimulated in a variety of ways. These techniques include dry needling, moxibustion, aqu-acupuncture, and electro-stimulation. Whatever tools are used, the goal is always the same: to restore the flow of Qi and allow homeostasis to return.

Top of Page

Safety of Acupuncture Therapy

Acupuncture is a very safe medical procedure administered by a qualified practitioner. Very few side effects have been found in clinical cases.

Length and Number of Acupuncture Treatments

Each session may take 20 to 60 minutes.  The number of Acupuncture treatments  depends upon the nature, severity and duration of diseases.  A single treatment may be enough for an acute condition.  A series of 3 to 10 treatments can resolve many chronic problems.  Some degenerative conditions may need monthly treatments over time.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

A proper acupuncture therapy may induce distention, and a heaviness sensation along with contraction of local muscle. Over 95% of patients are comfortable with acupuncture therapy. Some animals will fall asleep during acupuncture treatment. Sedation is not recommended before acupuncture treatment as it may interfere with the acupuncture effect.

Cost for Veterinary Acupuncture Treatment

It depends on the species and the disease. A typical range of fees for a single session of acupuncture will vary from $100 - $200.

Top of Page

Qualifications to perform veterinary Acupuncture?

sampleOnly licensed veterinarians are eligible to practice acupuncture in most states in the USA. A certified acupuncture training course is highly recommended before performing veterinary acupuncture.

 

Physiological Effects of Acupuncture

Numerous studies show that acupuncture stimulation induces these physiological effects:

Indications for Using Acupuncture

Clinical trails indicate that the acupuncture therapy can be effective in these and many other conditions:

Combining Acupuncture with Herb

Sometimes the application of Chinese Herbal Medicine is chosen by the knowledgeable veterinarian as a support for the acupuncture, or on occasion, in lieu of it. Herbs are frequently used in situations that have not responded to traditional western veterinary medical practices.

Top of Page

Chiropractic and Massage

The veterinarian may also choose to use Tui-na, which is an ancient Chinese method of chiropractic/medical manipulation that enhances the other methods, and can be taught to the pet owner to be done at home. This helps move energy past blocked points, and eases muscle tension, thereby offering comfort and an energy lift to the patient.

Role of Nutrition

Traditional Chinese veterinary practitioners may recommend foods to use or to eliminate based on Traditional Chinese Food Energetics and practitioner diagnosis.

Vital Energy or Qi

Sophie and Jack resting on couch.The ancient Chinese discovered that the health of the body depends on the state of Qi (pronounced chee). Qi is the life force or vital energy. There are two opposite forms of Qi: Yin and Yang. Physiologically, Qi flows throughout the body 24 hours per day, maintaining a balance of Yin and Yang. When the flow of Qi is interrupted by and pathological factor (such as virus or bacteria), the balance of Yin and Yang will be lost and consequently a disease may occur.

Pain is interpreted as the blockage of Qi flow. Acupuncture stimulation resolves this blockage, freeing the flow of Qi and enabling the body to heal itself. Homeostasis is restored when Yin and Yang Qi are in balance.

Page updated: 05/20/2008