Acupuncture
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture works by increasing circulation and causing a release of neurochemicals. These natural endorphins can relieve pain and muscle spasms, stimulate nerves and encourage the body’s own defense mechanisms.
What Conditions Respond to Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is primarily used for functional problems that involve pain, such as noninfectious inflammation and paralysis. Acupuncture bridges a gap between Eastern and Western medicine. In the Western world acupuncture is used primarily when medications are not working, are contraindicated because of possible side effects, or when surgery is not feasible. In China, it is often used as the primary treatment before conventional medicines and surgery.
What Are the Most Common Conditions Treated With Acupuncture?
- Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
- Nerve Injuries and Paralysis
- Skin problems, such as lick granulomas
- Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea
Is Acupuncture Painful?
Acupuncture needles are incredibly small, often only slightly larger in diameter than a human hair. Insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless and feels more like firm pressure than any other sensation. Most animals become very relaxed and may even fall asleep. Nevertheless, acupuncture treatment may cause some sensation, such as tingles, cramps, or numbness which can occur in humans and which may be uncomfortable to some animals.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
In the hands of a competent professional acupuncturist, acupuncture is one of the safest therapies utilized. Side effects are very rare. Since acupuncture balances the body’s own system of healing and no chemicals are administered, complications rarely, if ever, develop. Dr. Sarah Vineyard, who performs acupuncture at La Costa Animal Hospital, is a licensed veterinarian and a Certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist. She can answer any questions you may have regarding treatment options during your pet’s office visit.
What Should I Know Before Starting Treatment?
Before acupuncture treatment is performed on your pet, Dr. Vineyard will perform a comprehensive physical and acupuncture examination. Acupuncture is most effective when there has been a clear diagnosis of the condition intended to be treated. This can often require diagnostic tools such as x-rays and blood work. It is also important for you inform Dr. Vineyard of any physical changes that occur in your pet’s health during and after all acupuncture treatments.
How Long Do Acupuncture Treatments Last and How Often Are They Performed?
The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments depends on the condition of the patient and the method of stimulation that is used. Stimulation of an individual acupuncture point may take as little as 10 seconds or as much as 30 minutes. A simple acute problem, such as a sprain, may require only one treatment, whereas more severe or chronic ailments may need several or several dozen treatments.
When multiple treatments are necessary, they usually begin intensively and are tapered to maximum efficiency. Patients often start with 1-3 treatments per week for 4-6 weeks. A positive response is usually seen during the first three treatments. Once a maximum positive response is achieved (usually after 4-8 treatments), treatments are tapered off so that the greatest amount of symptom-free time elapses between them. Many animals with chronic conditions can taper off to only 2-4 treatments per year.
Animals undergoing athletic training can benefit from acupuncture as often as twice a week to once a month. The frequency depends on the intensity of the training and the condition of the athlete.
If you are interested in setting up a consultation to see if acupuncture may benefit your pet, please let us know!