|
Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture may be defined
as the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to cause a
desired healing effect. This technique has been used in veterinary
practice in China for at least 3000 years to treat many ailments. The
Chinese also use acupuncture as preventive medicine against such
problems as founder and colic in horses. Acupuncture is used all over
the world, either by itself or in conjunction with Western medicine, to
treat a wide variety of maladies in every species of domestic and
exotic animals. Modern veterinary acupuncturists use solid needles,
hypodermic needles, bleeding needles, electricity, heat, massage and
low power lasers to stimulate acupuncture points. Acupuncture is not a
cure-all, but can work very well when it is indicated.
For which conditions is acupuncture indicated?
Acupuncture is indicated
mainly for functional problems such as those that involve paralysis,
noninfectious inflammation (such as allergies), and pain. For small
animals, the following are some of the general conditions which may be
treated with acupuncture:
• Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis or
vertebral disc pathology
• Skin problems, such as lick granuloma
• Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma
• Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea
• Selected reproductive problems
For
large animals, acupuncture is again commonly used for functional
problems. Some of the general conditions where it might be applied are
the following:
• Musculoskeletal problems, such as sore backs or
downer cow syndrome
• Nervous system problems, such as facial nerve paralysis
• Skin problems, such as allergic dermatitis
• Respiratory problems, such as heaves and “Bleeders”
• Gastrointestinal problems, such as nonsurgical colic
• Selected reproductive disorders
In
addition, regular acupuncture treatment can treat minor sports injuries
as they occur and help to keep muscles and tendons resistant to injury.
World-class professional and amateur athletes often use acupuncture as
a routine part of their training. If your animals are involved in any
athletic endeavor, such as racing, jumping, or showing, acupuncture can
help keep them in top physical condition.
How does acupuncture work?
According
to ancient Chinese medical philosophy, disease is the result of an
imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance
this energy and, thereby, assist the body to heal disease.
In
Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by
affecting certain physiological changes. For example, acupuncture can
stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and
cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body’s
pain control chemicals) and cortisol (a natural steroid). Although many
of acupuncture’s physiological effects have been studied, many more are
still unknown. Further research must be to discover all of
acupuncture’s effects and its proper uses in veterinary medicine.
Is acupuncture painful?
For
small animals, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually
painless. The larger needles necessary for large animals may cause some
pain as the needle passes through the skin. In all animals, once the
needles are in place, there should be no pain. Most animals become very
relaxed and may even become sleepy. Nevertheless, acupuncture treatment
may cause some sensation, presumed to be those such as tingles, cramps,
or numbness which can occur in humans and which may be uncomfortable to
some animals.
Is acupuncture safe for animals?
Acupuncture is one of the safest
forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a
properly trained veterinarian. Side effects of acupuncture are rare,
but they do exist. An animal’s condition may seem worse for up to 48
hours after a treatment. Other animals may become sleepy or lethargic
for 24 hours after acupuncture. These effects are an indication that
some physiological changes are developing, and they are most often
followed by an improvement in the animal’s condition.
How long do acupuncture treatments last and how often are they given?
The length and frequency of
acupuncture treatments depends on the condition of the patient and the
method of stimulation that is used by the veterinary acupuncturist.
Stimulation of an individual acupuncture point may take as little as 10
seconds or as much as 30 minutes. A simple acute problem, such as a
sprain, may require only one treatment, whereas more severe or chronic
ailments may need several or several dozen treatments.
When
multiple treatments are necessary, they usually begin intensively and
are tapered to maximum efficiency. Patients often start with 1-3
treatments per week for 4-6 weeks. A positive response is usually seen
after the first to third treatments. Once a maximum positive response
is achieved (usually after 4-8 treatments), treatments are tapered off
so that the greatest amount of symptom free time elapses between them.
Many animals with chronic conditions can taper off to 2-4 treatments
per year.
Animals
undergoing athletic training can benefit from acupuncture as often as
twice a week to once a month. The frequency depends on the intensity of
the training and the condition of the athlete.
How should I choose an acupuncturist for my animals?
There are two important criteria you should look for in a veterinary acupuncturist
1. Your veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed veterinarian.
2. Your veterinary acupuncturist
should have formal training in the practice of acupuncture for animals.
(For example, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society offers
an accredited certification program for veterinary acupuncturists.)
In
most countries, states, and provinces, veterinary acupuncture is
considered a surgical procedure that only licensed veterinarians may
legally administer to animals. A veterinarian is in the best position
to diagnose an animal’s health problem and then to determine whether an
animal is likely to benefit from an acupuncture treatment, or whether
its problem requires chemical, surgical, or no intervention. In the
USA, the American Veterinary Medical Association considers veterinary
acupuncture a valid modality within the practice of veterinary medicine
and surgery, but extensive educational programs should be undertaken
before a veterinarian is considered competent to practice acupuncture.
Ask your veterinarian about their training. The more your veterinarian
knows about the traditional Chinese philosophies and Western scientific
bases for acupuncture, the more sure you can be that your animals will
be treated properly.
| 
Processing ....
