ACUPUNCTURE
Let us help your pet sooner than later in order to restore balance and health more quickly. Acupuncture is one element of veterinary holistic care that alleviates pain by targeting the body's pressure point. The Veterinary Wellness Center offers acupuncture to pets in the Seacoast, NH area.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture usually involves the insertion of thin needles into the discrete and specific points on the body in order to cause a therapeutic effect, but may include other methods such as electrical stimulation and moxibustion.
The point on the body is called “Shu-xue” or acupuncture point (acupoint).
Modern research shows that acupoints are located in the areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and lymphatic vessels. Most acupupoints are motor points.” There are many studies and research papers documenting the use and efficacy of acupuncture.
Acupuncture has been proven to increase blood supply, support the immune system and impact the pain pathways to name a few. The studies are endless supporting this 3000-year-old therapy.
Courtesy of the Chi institute FAQ for veterinary acupuncture pamphlet.
What is Qi?
Qi is known as vital energy flowing through meridians or pathways in the body. When opposing forces of Yin and Yang are moving smoothly, then qi moves smoothly and vice versa. There are over 350 acupuncture points along meridians. Each acupuncture point has a specific function or effect on the body when stimulated. Inserting needles into these points in a very specific way and combination can be used to restore balance and treat disharmony in the body. Acupuncture affects qi, yin and yang as well as other vital substances.
Is it painful?
Acupuncture uses very fine sterile needles inserted in specific points. The needle insertion is not usually even felt although some points are a little sensitive for a split second, but then the discomfort resolves quickly. Most pets are very comfortable with an acupuncture treatment, often lying down and falling asleep. Many pets (cats and dogs) are excited to return to the office for a treatment.
How long does the treatment last?
Most treatments last 20-45 minutes. Sometimes the needles are further stimulated with heat and/or a mild electrical stimulation to enhance the effect. These treatments may take longer. It is not uncommon to let the patient dictate the length of treatment. Sometimes, they are just not ready for it to be over so it goes a little longer and other times they indicate that they are all set, so it is a little shorter. That is the beauty of the holistic approach, every patient is different.
How many treatments will I need?
The answer is “it depends.” The number of treatments really depends on the issues and response the treatment which varies with each patient. You will be given an idea of how many treatments and the interval after the first consult. The treatment plan will be constantly reviewed based on response to treatment and other factors as they arise.
General guidelines:
Chronic conditions, more than 6 months: Plan on at least 3-4 treatments 2-4 weeks apart may be needed to see a continued response.
Acute conditions, those less than 1-2 months: May only require one to two treatments.