  Acupuncture: the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to cause a desired healing effect.  One of the earliest records of veterinary acupuncture was some 3000 years ago in India for the treatment of elephants.  However, the father of veterinary acupuncture is considered to be Shun Yang (480 BC) from China. Acupuncture

 Not Just for Cats and Dogs

  It is!  Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies available if practiced by a competent acupuncturist. Safe?

  If the animal can withstand its vaccination it will do fine with acupuncture.  In Small animals, it’s virtually painless because the needles are so small.  Larger animals might feel a slight pinch when a larger needle passes through the skin.  Once the needles are in place, pets of all sizes should be pain-free Does it Hurt?

  Modern veterinary acupuncturists use solid needles, hypodermic needles, bleeding needles, electricity, heat, massage, and low power lasers to stimulate acupuncture points Needles The needles are solid and thin, about the width of three human hairs!

  Indicated mainly for functional problems such as those that involve paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (such as allergies), and pain.  Musculoskeletal problems  Nervous system problems  Skin problems  Respiratory problems  Gastrointestinal problems  Selected reproductive problems Conditions it can Treat

  Start with treatments per week for weeks  Positive response is usually seen after the first to third treatment  Once a maximum positive response is achieved (usually after treatments), treatments are tapered off.  Many animals with chronic conditions can taper off to treatments per year. How Often and How Long?

  Natural form of treatment  There is no masking of a serious problem.  Acupuncture techniques can be used for diagnosis as well as treatment. Advantages

  Acupuncture is not a "one-time fix“ or a cure all!  Owner’s often misunderstand what to expect from acupuncture treatment  There is a chance that the pet will overuse an injured limb because of decreased pain.  Misapplication of acupuncture needles can result in:  Eye injuries  Pneumothorax  Infectious arthritis  Broken needles  However the chances of these negative effects occurring in clinical practice are extremely rare Disadvandage

  Varies based on:  the practitioner’s level of skill and training,  the pet’s condition  how many treatments the pet will need  A simple treatment could cost less than $100, while more complicated procedures could run you $500 or more Costs

  1. The veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed veterinarian  2. The veterinary acupuncturist should have formal training in the practice of acupuncture for animals.  International Veterinary Acupuncture Society is the only accredited certification program How to choose a Acupuncturist?

  Check out the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture to find a Acupuncturist near you.  ava_blog/aava-directory/ ava_blog/aava-directory/ AAVA

  For more information on acupuncture talk to your local Veterinarian.  They’ll be able to tell you if its right for you pet! Information

 The End

     y-acupuncture-poking-around-for-answers/ y-acupuncture-poking-around-for-answers/ References