What is acupuncture?Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body which help the person or animal heal itself. Acupuncture has been used successfully to treat animals as well as humans for thousands of years. This healing technique is used all over the world, either by itself or in conjunction with western medicine to treat a wide variety of maladies. Acupuncturists today utilize several different techniques to stimulate acupuncture points including needles, electricity, heat, massage and even low powered lasers.
How does Acupuncture work?
In traditional chinese medical philosophy, disease is the result of an imbalance of energy (chi) in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy and thereby, assist the body to heal itself.
In western terms, the physiological effects of Acupuncture can be explained by a series of interactions between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. Research shows a close correlation between acupuncture channels or meridians and nervous system pathways.
Acupuncture does the following:
1) Increases circulation
2) Relief of muscle spasms
3) The release of various hormones and neurotransmitters (such as endorphins, the body's natural pain killers)
4) Local and systemic pain inhibition
What conditions are most commonly treated with acupuncture?
Musculoskeletal (hip dysplasia, arthritis, intervertebral disc disease)
Nervous (seizures, nerve paralysis, weakness, incontinence, chronic pain)
Internal (asthma, diabetes, feline urologic syndrome, feline constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, thyroid disease, immune system problems)
Is Acupuncture safe for animals?
Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Occasionally an animal's symptoms will worsen temporarily before improving as the body begins to heal itself.
What is the usual course of treatment?
Once the Acupuncture needles are placed most animals relax and may even fall asleep during the treatment, which can last from 10 seconds to 30 minutes depending on the condition. Patients often start with 1-3 treatments per week for 4-6 weeks. A positive response is usually seen after the first to third treatment. Once a maximum positive response is achieved, the treatments are tapered off to the greatest symptom free time between treatments.
Is it right for your pet?
If you think acupuncture may be helpful in treating your pet, contact Dr. Wayne Geltman for an appointment. Dr. Geltman is certified in acupuncture through I.V.A.S. He can evaluate your pet and decide whether acupuncture alone or in conjunction with nutrition and herbal therapies may be of further help in treating your pet.