Veterinary
acupuncture has been used to treat animals for nearly 4,000 years
in China. In North America it has been used for decades, in both
domestic and exotic animals. Acupuncture is one of a variety of
therapies a trained veterinarian may use to treat your pet.
Using
techniques and treatments to ensure a speedy and healthy recovery
sometimes means respecting the wisdom of the past and utilzing
it in new, modern ways.
Medical acupuncture replaces the old metaphors of Yin, Yang, and
Qi with a more nuanced and accurate understanding of physiologic
dysfunction. This opens the door to designing acupuncture treatments
as restorative
neurophysiologic interventions that have a proper place in modern
healthcare.
Our
Approach
At
Harmony Animal Hospital we believe in providing the best veterinary
health care available for your pet. That means we will consider
all of the healing arts available to us to provide the best possible
outcome for your pet’s particular problem. That can include
traditional veterinary care, nutritional consultation, and behavioral
modification, integrated with older eastern approaches such as
acupuncture, and therapeutic massage. We have the ability to choose
among a wide range of therapies to develop a treatment protocol
that is best for your pet.
Only
licensed veterinarians are eligible to practice acupuncture in
most states in the United States. Dr. John Clines is a veterinary
acupuncturist and is qualified to perform this safe medical procedure.
Finding
Support in your pet's recovery process
Ancient Chinese medical philosophy believes that disease is a
result of an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed
to balance this energy, and thereby assist the body in healing
disease. In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body’s
efforts to heal itself by causing certain physiological changes.
For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood
circulation, relieve muscle spasms, and cause the release of hormones,
such as endorphins (one of the body’s pain control chemicals)
or cortisol (a natural steroid). Modern research shows that acupoints
are located in the areas where there is a high density of free
nerve endings, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels. At Harmony,
we believe that in many cases acupuncture can be an important
part of your pet’s recovery and healing.
What
is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body
which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological
conditions in order to achieve a healing effect. The primary aim
is to strengthen the body's immune system. It is not a cure-all,
but it works well where indicated and when used alone or in combination
with traditional veterinary medicine.
What
conditions can be treated using medical acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture has been used along with traditional medical
practices to treat, and have positive therapeutic effects, in
conditions in the dog and cat. Some of these conditions include:
•
Eye problems
• Respiratory disease
• Urinary problems
• Pain modification
• G.I. problems |
• Musculoskeletal issues
• Neurological Disorders
• Skin conditions
• Enhance performance
• Other- anxiety, allergies |
Does
acupuncture hurt?
Over 95% of patients are comfortable with acupuncture therapy.
Some animals will fall asleep during acupuncture treatment. Sedation
is not recommended before acupuncture treatment as it may interfere
with the acupuncture effect.
