9/8/2011
by:
Sydney Animal Hospitals
Veterinary accupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points of the body to influence certain physiological processes, to stimulate healing and maintain homeostasis in animals.
Acupuncture is an important part of the broader discipline of traditional Chinese medicine and so is based on a holistic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The body (human and animal) has an incredible capacity for self-repair and self-protection and acupuncture is an effective means of stimulating these mechanisms.
Top
So can it be used in animals?
Yes. The use of acupuncture in animal’s dates back to the Zang and Chow Dynasties in China around 3000–2000BC. Veterinary acupuncture was used after ancient battles when it was realised that lame horses became sound when hit by arrows at distinct points on the body.
These days very fine needles smaller than those used for vaccinations are used.
Top
Does it hurt?
No. Most animals do not even react to the needles or only feel a slight sensation.
Acupuncture needles differ from the hyperdermic needles used for vaccinations by being much finer and round ended, so they hurt less.
Many diseases can be treated with acupuncture alone or as part of treatment regime with conventional treatment methods. Some diseases that can be treated with acupuncture included:
- Arthritis and back pain
- Muscle and ligament injury
- Certain skin diseases
- Nerve injury
- Certain types of paralysis
- Lick granulomas
- Urinary and faecal incontinence
- Cystitis
- Hormonal imbalances
- Immune mediated diseases
- Colitis
- Constipation
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Upper and lower respiratory tract infections
- Allergic bronchitis
- Increasing energy and vitality in geriatric animals
- And many more
Top
How does it work? While the insertion of fine needles into specific acupuncture points is simple and painless, the cascade of physiological responses that occurs as a consequence is very complex. Each acupuncture points differs in its physiological response, with some having local effects while others stimulate responses in distant parts of the body. Acupuncture has a well-established scientific basis and its effect on the body include:
- the stimulation of the body’s morphine system to reduce pain i.e. enkepahlins
- improved circulation
- regulation of the immune response.
The stimulation of certain hormones such as cortisone and thyroid hormone to regulate the inflammatory response and regulate body functions.
Top
What does it involve?
Most treatments are between 10 and 20 minutes in length and are usually done in your presence in the comfort of one of our consult rooms. Most conditions require between three and eight treatments depending on the type of disease and how long it has been going on.
Top
How do I know if accupuncture is suitable for my animal?
A thorough clinical examination of your animal maybe all that is required but in many cases additional diagnostic tests, e.g. X-rays, are necessary to ensure a correct diagnosis is made prior to commencing treatment.
For more information please ask to speak with
Jacqui Norris BVSc (Hons) MVS at Inner West Veterinary Clinic,
1A Northumberland Ave, Stanmore NSW
Phone (02) 9516 1466
Tags: