Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to cause a desired healing effect. This technique has been used in veterinary practice in China for at least 3000 years to treat many ailments. Acupuncture is used all over the world, either by itself or in conjunction with Western medicine, to treat a wide variety of maladies in humans and every species of domestic animal.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body’s vital force, called Chi, travels throughout the body along channels of energy flow called meridians. Disease occurs when there is a blockage of the normal flow of Chi. Treatment of acupuncture points along the meridians is believed to restore the flow of Chi and balance the energy thereby assisting the body to heal.

In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by causing certain physiologic changes. It can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, and cause the release of natural chemicals such as endorphins and cortisol.

Acupuncture is indicated mainly for functional problems such as those that involve non-infectious inflammation, paralysis, or pain. Some conditions which respond to acupuncture treatment include:

Acupuncture needles are very fine and most animals accept treatments well. Treatments may last from just a few minutes to a half an hour. Chronic problems often require several treatments.  Patients usually start off with 1-2 treatments per week, and after maximum response is achieved (usually after 4-8 treatments), treatment interval is tapered off to the minimal amount needed to keep the patient symptom free. Many animals with chronic conditions can taper off to 4-6 treatments per year.