What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture refers to the use of very thin needles inserted into specific points of the body, considered to be lines of energy, to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety and assist in treating various health issues. It has been practised for thousands of years in China but is still a relatively new concept in Western countries. Scientific research suggests that acupuncture may increase local nutritive blood flow, regulate the immune systems and help to release β-endorphins (the body’s natural painkiller) and serotonin (a mood enhancer). Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with evidence-based veterinary medicine. In some cases, we might need to work with your regular veterinarian to maximize the treatment outcome.
What conditions might acupuncture help with?
Painful conditions (arthritis, recovery from surgery/injury and spinal problems)
Weakness and paralysis of limbs
Chronic gastrointestinal issues (constipation and diarrhoea)
Anxiety
Health maintenance for geriatric animals
Skin conditions (dermatitis, allergies)
Immune system booster for cancer patients
Chronic kidney disease in older cats (used in conjunction with evidence-based veterinary medicine for the treatment of this condition)
What happens during an acupuncture consultation?
The first acupuncture session will last one hour. In this session, we will ask you questions about your pet (lifestyle, diet, personality and so on) and perform a traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) physical examination. This differs from the standard veterinary physical examination as it focuses on the flow of medicine (tongue and pulses). Acupuncture and TCVM are aimed at correcting the imbalance of the body as well as targeting the health issue. We will then formulate a custom detailed treatment plan best suited for your pet and yourself.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin, sterile needles into specific points on your pet’s body. Depending on the condition being treated, we may connect these needles to an electroacupuncture machine to try and improve the efficacy of the treatment. Most of our patients will become very relaxed and may fall asleep during acupuncture. The treatment usually lasts for twenty minutes and the needles are removed thereafter. Your pet may also receive a type of massage called Tui-Na if appropriate and may be given a prescription with herbs to assist the healing.
We do also cater to the needs of anxious or stressed animals and will pace the treatment according. This may involve acclimatizing them slowly to the needles and treatment over time. Subsequent acupuncture consultations will last about thirty to forty minutes.
Does acupuncture have any side effects?
Although side effects are very rare to occur, your pet may appear slightly drowsy or sore in the first twenty-four hours after acupuncture. Some animals may show deterioration in their condition in the first couple of days before showing any improvements. If you are concerned about your pet, please contact us immediately.
How many acupuncture treatments does my pet need?
Animals respond to acupuncture treatment differently. Some respond well to initial treatment, while others may require two or three treatments before showing improvement. Basic cases take around four to six treatments before initial symptoms start to dissipate, while more chronic or challenging cases can take up to ten or more treatments. We recommend at least four to six treatments once to twice a week (depending on the severity and chronicity of the problem) before deciding whether acupuncture is suitable for treating your pet’s problem. We will discuss a detailed treatment plan at the end of the initial consultation.
What if my pet has needle phobia?
The acupuncture needles used are very thin, and most animals do not feel the needle going through their skin. However, even if your pet does not tolerate conventional acupuncture treatment, we do also have access to laser acupuncture on-site.
What is the difference between conventional acupuncture and laser acupuncture?
Conventional acupuncture utilises very thin needles, whereas laser acupuncture uses a photobiomodulation machine to stimulate the acupoints. Acupuncture needles stay in for twenty minutes and are then removed from the animal. Most of our patients become relaxed and fall asleep during the process, which helps the body’s healing. If your pet is receiving laser acupuncture, he/she will experience a warm sensation at the acupuncture points when being stimulated. The whole process of laser acupuncture is a lot shorter compared to conventional acupuncture.