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Although acupuncture is now widely available and accepted in human medicine, and increasingly so in the veterinary field, it still retains an aura of mystery. Perhaps this is because our scientific understanding of how acupuncture actually achieves its therapeutic effect came thousands of years after its invention, although modern research now supports the basis for its effectiveness.
Most people are aware that acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific points in the body, which is the case for both humans and animals. These points are actually located in areas with a high density of free nerve endings, lymphatic vessels, small blood vessels, and cells that are active in the body’s immune response. Studies have shown that stimulation of these points causes increased blood flow, decreased muscle spasm, release of neurotransmitters, and an increase in the body’s natural painkillers (endorphins). The points can be stimulated with needles alone or by using electro-stimulation or fluid injected under the skin (known as “aqua-acupuncture”). Traditionally, acupuncture is also believed to help bring the body’s energy (“Qi”) into balance and to maintain its proper flow. Depending on the treatment necessary, the procedure can last between a half hour and an hour. Acupuncture has been practiced in both animals and humans for thousands of years in China. The earliest veterinary acupuncture book is believed to have been written in the Qin-mu-gong period, 659 B.C. to 621 B.C.
Acupuncture is most commonly used for painful conditions, such as osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc disease, and can be beneficial for other ailments, such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal disorders, behavior issues, and epilepsy. Acupuncture also can be used as a tool in preventive medicine as well. Although there are no miracles when it comes to disease or aging, it is wonderful to have another tool to reach for when animals are either not responding to more traditional medical therapies or for some reason cannot tolerate them. By combining a holistic evaluation of the patient, including personality, lifestyle, diet, and so on, and then bringing together the best of both Western and Eastern medicine, better therapeutic results can often be achieved.
Many pet owners wonder how their animal companions will respond to having acupuncture therapy. We’re pleased to report that they respond very well. The needles are extremely slender and most animals accept the treatments quite readily—many become so relaxed that they even take a nap once their needles are in place. Although the animals cannot tell us what they are feeling, people often describe the insertion of the needle as being virtually painless. Some say a mild tingling, numbness, or heaviness around the insertion point of the needle may develop over the course of the treatment.
Only licensed veterinarians who have completed a special certification process can perform veterinary acupuncture. Dr. Erica Morgan, a member of the Animal Hospital of the Rockaways staff, is fully qualified and certified as a Veterinary Acupuncturist. She is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about acupuncture.
As always, our main goal is to improve the quality of life for your animal companions, and the results that are achieved using acupuncture can be quite remarkable.