Acupuncture for animals has changed life for so many. We have been able to give companions back their dignity as well as mobility in a comfortable way. Even paralyzed companions have walked.
Acupuncture is a technique for relieving pain and improving the function of organ systems by stimulating the nervous system via acupuncture points on the surface of the body. The points are stimulated with fine needles, therapeutic laser, or pressure. Acupuncture has been used in China for over 3500 years and is the main treatment for a quarter of the world’s population.
The Benefits of Veterinary Acupuncture
Acupuncture increases circulation causes a release of many neurotransmitters and neurohormones (some of which are endorphins, the “natural pain-killing” hormones), relieves muscle spasms, stimulates nerves, and stimulates the body’s defense system, among many other beneficial effects. Acupuncture is not a “one-time fix,” nor is it a cure-all. And while it is not uncommon for owners to observe improvement in their pet’s condition after the first acupuncture treatment, depending upon the severity of the disease, some pets may not show any signs of improvement until the sixth or eighth treatment. Effectiveness should not be assessed until after three to four treatments.
Acupuncture can bridge the gap between medicine and surgery. In China, it is often used as the primary treatment before conventional medicines and surgery. In small animals, such as dogs and cats as well as in large animals, acupuncture is most commonly used for: musculoskeletal problems (e.g. arthritis), skin problems, nervous disorders, reproductive disorders, respiratory problems, poor immunity and internal medicine problems such as heart (cardiac) and kidney (renal) disease, etc. Acupuncture is now known to affect all major physiologic systems including the musculoskeletal, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems.
How does acupuncture for dogs and cats work?
Here are the different things that Acupuncture could improve:
Respiratory problems
Asthma
Tracheal collapse
Chronic upper respiratory infections
Internal organ disease
Kidney, Heart, or Liver Disease
Autoimmune diseases
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia
Eosinophilic granuloma in cats
Reproductive or Infertility disorders
Behavioral issues (Anxiety)
Endocrine disorders
Hypothyroidism
Cushing's disease
Addinson's disease
Additionally, acupuncture can be utilized as preventative medicine to boost your pet’s immune system and improve his/her overall well-being. We offer maintenance acupuncture therapy to help keep your pet in optimum health year-round.
In some cases, through acupuncture for dogs and cats, Dr. Pasternak can decrease the use of conventional medications or even wean a patient off of all conventional medications with regular acupuncture treatments.
