Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into acupuncture points along “meridians” or energy channels for each body system. These points are often where nerve bundles and blood vessels come together to supply a muscle.

 

The goal of acupuncture is to promote the body to heal itself (as is the case with most forms of alternative
medicine).

Acupuncture has been performed for thousands of years. Veterinary acupuncture encourages healing by correcting energy imbalances in the body. Acupuncture enhances blood circulation, nervous system stimulation, and the release of anti-inflammatory and pain relieving hormones.

1. Veterinary acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s own pain relieving and anti-inflammatory substances. 

2. Relaxation of muscles at the site of needle insertion and more distant locations body is achieved with
veterinary acupuncture treatment, creating both a local and generalized pain relieving effect.

3. Veterinary acupuncture improves tissue blood flow, oxygenation, and removal of metabolic wastes and toxins.

4. Unlike prescription and over the counter pain medications, veterinary acupuncture lacks potential adverse side effects for your pet’s internal organs. Acupuncture is being used more commonly in human medicine for this reason!

5. Your pet’s medications or supplements will not adversely interact with veterinary acupuncture treatment;
therefore it can safely be used to treat a variety of illnesses.
 

Acupuncture can be performed in several ways.

• Acupressure involves the application of pressure to acupuncture points to elicit a similar effect of needle placement. Great for hard to reach areas, energetic pets and sore areas.

• Dry needling involves the placement of acupuncture needles in acupuncture points. These needles are left in place until the body is ready for them to be removed.

• Aqua-puncture involves placement of needles in the same acupuncture points using needles with a lumen. A liquid (usually a combination of Vitamin B, Sarapin, or a homeopathic solution) is injected into the points. The liquid exerts an energetic change by pushing tissue out of the way. A lasting effect of the liquid bleb in the tissue
  continues to stimulate the point even after the needle is removed.

• Electrostimulation (Estim-acupuncture)
  Needles are placed and then hooked up to a unit that provides coursing electric current
  into the body between needles inserted into acupuncture points. Estim can help relax spasming muscles and can aid the body in reestablishing nervous impulses when nerve
  damage has occurred (nerve root or spinal cord damage from a ruptured intervertebral disc, etc).