What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of four main components of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine TCVM). It involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles (dry needling) into specific points on the body to cause therapeutic effects. Other methods include: electrical stimulation, moxabustion (heating the needle or applying heat over an acupuncture point), and aquapuncture (injecting Vitamin B12, for example, into acupuncture points). Acupuncture has been practiced in both animals and humans for thousands of years in China, and is currently used worldwide to treat a variety of conditions.
Conditions Treated
- Painful conditions (arthritis/degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, cruciate disease, back and neck pain)
- Neurologic conditions (paresis/hind end weakness, paralysis, nerve damage, seizures)
- Medical conditions (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, liver/kidney/heart disease, urinary incontinence, immune mediated disease)
- Endocrine disorders (diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease)
- Dermatologic conditions (chronic ear infections, pruritus, allergies) -Quality of life (maintenance, enhancement) and hospice care
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes, when administered by a qualified practitioner. Very few negative effects have been found in clinical cases. As of November 2017, The US National Institute of Health's National Library of Medicine (www.pubmed.gov) has over 26,000 articles regarding acupuncture and TCM/TCVM and over 400 are animal specific.
Who Is Qualified To Perform Veterinary Acupuncture?
Licensed veterinarians are qualified to practice acupuncture is most states. A certified veterinary acupuncturist (CVA) is highly recommended.
Cautions And Contraindications
Acupuncture should be used cautiously with the following conditions: pregnancy, open wounds or skin infections, tumors (including cancer), fractures.
