Acupuncture

ACUPUNCTURE: WHAT IS IT?

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points. Acupuncture is one part of the Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) approach. Chinese Herbals are another large part of the TCVM approach, and it may be suggested to use them together to improve results.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

WHAT IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE? IS IT DIFFERENT FROM ORDINARY ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a veterinarian trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.

WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE?

Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care:

promotion of health and well-being,
prevention of illness,
treatment of various medical conditions.

While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medial treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:

Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.
Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.
Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.

Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.

If you have questions about a specific illness or disorder not listed above, you can call us to have your questions answered today at 203-939-7387.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

The number of treatments needed differs from patient to patient. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health maintenance occasional examinations to ensure the animal is balanced is recommended. In general, animals tend to respond more dramatically to acupuncture treatment than people, and therefore have less overall number of visits for similar visits.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?

Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to takeplace. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT?

Patients experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Occasionally a larger needle (usually for large animals) is required for treatment, then momentary discomfort may be noted as the needle passes through the skin. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Many patients become very relaxed and can even become sleepy.

Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

In addition, since animals are more sensitive to acupuncture and its effects, or for those animals with a needle-phobia, we have a laser-acupuncture treatment that allows for animals to benefit from acupuncture treatments without requiring the use of needles. The light energy of the cold-laser allows us to stimulate the acupoints in a similar fashion as the standard acupuncture needles.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?

Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. It is growing in the veterinary profession due to the effects practitioners are seeing in their patients whether used alone or in combination with other treatment modalities. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine,osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic ornaturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.

DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?

No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believein the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.

ARE THERE ANY "DO'S AND DONT'S" FOR MY PET ON THE DAY OF A TREATMENT?

Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

Do not feed an unusually large meal.
Do not over-exercise or over-stimulate within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
Plan your activities so that after the treatment the patient can get some rest for roughly 24 hours following acupuncture therapy, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular veterinarian.
If giving medication for pain such as an NSAID or steroid, please let us know ahead of time. The veterinarian may try to schedule an appointment close to the time that the medication is given so the animal can be evaluated prior to medication administration.
Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what the response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help your pet.

For any other questions, please feel free to call us at (203) 939-7387 any time and we would be glad to answer them.

Information above courtesy of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture