Holistic Veterinary Medicine is becoming increasingly popular for our pets. The holistic approach to medicine and overall health includes a variety of modalities, one of which is acupuncture.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has called acupuncture an integral part of veterinary medicine. Additionally, the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health have officially recognized acupuncture as an effective treatment for many conditions & diseases.
In human medicine, acupuncture has been very useful for a variety of ailments, particularly for the control of chronic and acute pain. Acupuncture has also proven to be highly effective in treating animals. In fact, one of the earliest records of veterinary acupuncture was some 3000 years ago in India for the treatment of elephants.
So exactly what is acupuncture? According to the philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is a continuous flow of Qi (life energy) throughout the body. In order for someone to maintain good health it is essential that Qi flow in a smooth and unobstructed manner. When the energy flow is smooth and in balance, your pet is healthy. If the balance is disturbed, then your pet can feel ill or be in pain. Acupuncture helps to return balance to the body’s Qi. At specific points along the meridians (acupuncture points), the energy flow can be stimulated and the delicate balance of Qi energy in the body and encourages the body to begin the healing process.
Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly-trained veterinarian. A typical acupuncture session consists of gently inserting specific, slender needles into specific acupuncture points and left in from 5-30 minutes while you and your pet relax in a quiet room. Most pets relax soon after the needles are placed and often fall asleep during these treatments. You may begin to notice an improvement in your dog’s condition within the first two to six treatments, depending on the severity of the condition(s) being treated. Side effects of acupuncture are rare, but they do exist, so make sure to discuss any potential side-effects with your veterinary acupuncturist.
When can it be helpful? The typical effects of acupuncture include pain relief, decreased inflammation and an increase in blood flow to the area, making it an ideal treatment for a wide variety of ailments. It is typically sought after for treating functional problems such as those that involve paralysis, non-infectious inflammation (such as allergies), and chronic or acute pain. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, arthritis and nerve damage often respond well to acupuncture.
In any modality of holistic medicine it is important to assess your dog’s overall health and wellness. Your dog’s ability to heal with the aid of acupuncture may be affected by his age, home-life, nutrition and any disease that may be present. This is where integrating conventional medicine with alternative medicine, using the benefits of both, comes in handy as blood work, x-rays or other tests may be necessary to paint a full picture and determine the diagnosis. A knowledgeable veterinary acupuncturist will let you know if and what conventional tests would be helpful in establishing a treatment plan that will treat the entire patient and not just address one presenting complaint.
Before you decide on any treatment approach, it is important to get a good diagnosis and then look at all the options, including acupuncture and those offered by conventional medicine.
If you’re interested in learning more about acupuncture for your pets, here are two organizations that can help you locate a certified veterinary acupuncturist near you: The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society – http://www.ivas.org and The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture – http://www.aava.org
