Acupuncture points (or “Acupoints”) are areas throughout the body where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and lymphatic vessels. Most acupoints are neural motor points, which is where a nerve enters a muscle. Amazingly, there are 173 acupoints in animals (361 in humans).
Stimulating acupoints relieves any blockage, restores the flow of Qi, and facilitates self-healing. In western medicine we call this homeostasis, which is restored when Yin and Yang are in balance. Modern medical research has shown that stimulating acupoints induces the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. The release and absorption of these powerful chemicals in the body promotes natural pain relief and inner balance.
Most pets don’t even realize the needles are being placed and frequently fall asleep during treatment. Each session lasts about 40 to 60 minutes.
During the first 15 minutes of your initial appointment with us your pet’s total health is assessed, including a history of diet, exercise, physical and social habits, surgeries, as well as prior and current medications. This review with you the owner is then followed by a complete physical examination of your animal. The following 30 minutes is dedicated to needle placement and treatment time. The amount of acupuncture treatments needed depends on the nature, severity, and duration of a disease or condition. It is not uncommon for a single treatment to be enough for an acute condition, such as recent injury or pain.
A series of three to ten treatments can resolve many chronic problems; however, some chronic conditions may need more treatments spread over time. Expect your pet to be mildly lethargic or drowsy for 24-48 hours after an acupuncture session as the body’s natural healing process is triggered.
Numerous studies indicate that acupuncture induces the following physiological effects:
Pain Relief
Regulation of gastrointestinal motility
Anti-inflammatory effect
Immuno-regulation
Hormone and reproductive regulation
Anti-febrile effect; microcirculation promotion