Acupuncture is an ancient healing art that’s been practiced in China and other areas of the world for thousands of years. It involves inserting needles at specific locations on your dog’s body in order to elicit a tissue response. These locations, called acupoints, are believed to communicate with and affect the function of various body organs and tissues. There are over 112 acupoints in a dog. Acupoints that are aligned with a similar or complementary effect are called meridians. Once inserted the needles may be stimulated by turning or applying an electrical stimulus.
Exactly how acupuncture works, no one knows for sure. There are several theories but there is evidence to support many or a combination. Around the area of needle insertion there is improved circulation, immune system activation, and tissue repair activation. Systemically there is a release of endorphins and opiods which are the body’s natural pain killers, and an increase in serotonin levels, the feel good neurotransmitter. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the view of acupuncture is that pain or illness is the result of blockage of the life energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”) and Blood, a vital substance (but not the same blood as in Western medicine) in the meridians, which are energy channels the Qi
moves through. Placing the needles helps to move the Qi and Blood.
It is used most commonly to relieve pain. Acupuncture can be used before, with or instead of traditional pain medicine depending on the pet. Acupuncture can be a great additional therapy to help manage pain and discomfort when your pet is in physical rehabilitation for a musculoskeletal disorder such as arthritis. For the best results, acupuncture should be repeated regularly. Acupuncture, when combined with premium nutrition and physical rehabilitation can help many pets live better lives.
Exactly how acupuncture works, no one knows for sure. There are several theories but there is evidence to support many or a combination. Around the area of needle insertion there is improved circulation, immune system activation, and tissue repair activation. Systemically there is a release of endorphins and opiods which are the body’s natural pain killers, and an increase in serotonin levels, the feel good neurotransmitter. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the view of acupuncture is that pain or illness is the result of blockage of the life energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”) and Blood, a vital substance (but not the same blood as in Western medicine) in the meridians, which are energy channels the Qi
moves through. Placing the needles helps to move the Qi and Blood.
It is used most commonly to relieve pain. Acupuncture can be used before, with or instead of traditional pain medicine depending on the pet. Acupuncture can be a great additional therapy to help manage pain and discomfort when your pet is in physical rehabilitation for a musculoskeletal disorder such as arthritis. For the best results, acupuncture should be repeated regularly. Acupuncture, when combined with premium nutrition and physical rehabilitation can help many pets live better lives.
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