Animal Acupuncture

Acupuncture for Animals

Acupuncture is an ancient technique that originated
in China thousands of years ago to prevent and
treat illness, and relieve pain. This treatment
regime, which involves inserting extremely fine
needles into specific points on the body and is fast
gaining widespread acceptance as an alternative
therapy for people and animals.

How does it work?
Acupuncture is believed to produce an abundance
of good health effects by enhancing or restoring the
natural flow of energy (qi) in the body. According to
acupuncture theory, qi circulates along meridians,
or pathways. Each of these meridians links to
internal organs and organ systems. Acupoints are
the hundreds of spots along the meridians where
needles can be inserted to stimulate the flow of qi,
primarily affecting the muscular, skeletal, hormonal
and cardiovascular systems.

How can acupuncture help my pet?
A growing number of practitioners have discovered
that animals benefit from acupuncture similarly
to the way humans benefit from this treatment.
Besides relieving pain and muscle spasms in
animals, it stimulates their nerves and defense
system, and provides numerous other health
benefits.
What are some of the other pet ailments that might
be treated with acupuncture?
Back pain, joint injuries, nervous disorders, including traumatic nerve injury, muscular injuries
Respiratory problems, chronic nasal discharges, coughing and heaving
Colic and other gastrointestinal disturbances, inflammatory bowel syndrome and Inflammatory bowel disease
Rehabilitation : post surgery, post fracture or following acute injuries

What preventive treatments does acupuncture
help pets with?
Simply put, acupuncture makes a pet relax and feel good.
Whenever your pet experiences flexible, tension and fatigue-free muscles, it increases their range of motion.
It naturally stimulates the immune system by releasing various hormones, which improve a pet’s response to injury and stress.
It promotes blood cell production and increases the circulation, rhythm and stroke volume of the pet’s heart.

Is it painful? How will my pet react?
Acupuncture is usually performed with hair-thin,
sterilized, disposable stainless steel needles.
They occasionally experience a brief moment of
sensitivity as the needle penetrates the skin in
certain sensitive areas. Once the needles are in
place, however, most animals relax. In fact, they
often fall asleep during treatment.
When an animal is nervous or sensitive to needles
we use laser acupuncture instead.

Is is safe?
Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies available
when practiced by a competent acupuncturist. Side
effects are rare. And since it balances the body’s
healing system, and no chemicals are administered,
complications rarely develop.

How many sessions should I expect and how long do they last?
The visit consists of extensive history taking and
often, but only with your permission, we will have
spoken with your pet’s vet prior to the visit. This
enables us to gain the most information available on
past treatments, test results, x-rays etc and check
that there are no contra indications to acupuncture,
laser or osteopathic treatments.
Treatments may last up to 30 minutes depending
upon the condition treated and method employed.
Your first visit may be a little longer so we can
get to know your pet and ensure they are relaxed
and settled. Patients are often treated once a
week, or acute cases up to three times a week. A
positive response is often noticed within the first
3-6 treatments, sometimes earlier, depending upon
the condition treated.

For more information email: peaceclinic@me.com