“It does not matter wether medicine is old or new,

So long as it brings about a cure.

It matters not wether therories be eastern or western,

So long as they prove to be true.”

Jen Hsou Lin, DVM, PHD

What is acupuncture? 

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. The Chinese also use 

acupuncture against such problems as lameness and colic in horses. Acupuncture is 

used all over the world, either by itself or in conjunction with Western medicine, 

to treat a wide variety of maladies in every species of domestic animal and exotic 

animals. Modern veterinary acupuncturists use solid needles, hypodermic needles, 

bleeding needles, electricity, heat, massage, and low-power lasers to stimulate 

acupuncture points. Acupuncture is not a cure-all, but can work very well when it is 

indicated.  

For which conditions is acupuncture indicated?  

Acupuncture is indicated mainly for functional problems such as those that involve 

paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (such as allergies), and pain.  

For small animals, the following are some of the general conditions which may be 

treated with acupuncture:  

• Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis or spinal disc pathology.  

• Skin problems, such as lick granuloma and allergies.

• Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma.  

• Gastrointestinal problems.  

• Selected reproductive problems.  

• Nervous system problems, such as nerve paralysis/traumata. 

For large animals, acupuncture is again commonly used for functional problems. 

Some of the general conditions where it might be applied are the following:  

• Musculoskeletal problems, such as sore backs or sports injuries.  

• Nervous system problems, such as facial nerve paralysis and head-shaking.

• Skin problems, such as allergic dermatitis.  

• Respiratory problems, such as heaves and "Bleeders".  

• Selected reproductive disorders and hormonal disturbances.  

• Gastrointestinal problems, such as non-surgical colic. 

In addition, regular acupuncture treatments can treat minor sports injuries as 

they occur and help to keep muscles and tendons resistant to injury. World 

class professional and amateur athletes often use acupuncture as a routine 

part of their training. If your animals are involved in any athletic endeavor, 

such as racing, jumping, or showing, acupuncture can help keep them in top 

physical condition. 

How does acupuncture work? 

According to ancient Chinese medical philosophy, disease is the result of an 

imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy 

and, thereby, assist the body in healing the disease. 

In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by affecting certain 

physiological changes.  

For example,  

acupuncture can stimulate nerves,  

increase blood circulation,  

relieve muscle spasm,  

and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body's pain 

control chemicals) and cortisol (a natural steroid). 

Is acupuncture painful? 

For small animals, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. The 

larger needles necessary for large animals may cause some pain as the needle 

passes through the skin.  

Once the needles are in place, there should not be any pain.  

Most animals become very relaxed and may even become sleepy. Nevertheless, 

acupuncture treatment may cause some sensations, presumed to be those such as 

tingles, cramps, or numbness which can occur in humans and maybe 

uncomfortable to some animals.  

Is acupuncture safe for animals? 

Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when 

it is administered by a properly trained veterinarian.  

Side effects of acupuncture are rare, but they do exist.  

An animal's condition may seem worse for up to 48 hours after a treatment. 

Other animals may become sleepy or lethargic for 24 hours after acupuncture. 

These effects are an indication that some physiological changes are 

developing, and they are most often followed by an improvement in the animal's 

condition. 

How long do acupuncture treatments last and how often are they 

given? 

The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments depends on the condition of 

the patient and the method of stimulation that is used by the veterinarian. 

Stimulation of an individual acupuncture point may take as little as 10 seconds or as 

much as 30 minutes. A simple acute problem, such as a sprain, may require only one 

treatment, whereas more severe or chronic ailments may need a dozen treatments. 

When multiple treatments are necessary, they usually begin intensively and are 

tapered to maximum efficiency.  A positive response is usually seen after the first 

to third treatment. Once a maximum positive response is achieved treatments are 

usually tapered off. Many animals with chronic conditions can be maintained with 

2-4 treatments per year. 

Animals undergoing athletic training can benefit from acupuncture. The frequency 

depends on the intensity of the training and the condition of the athlete.  

How should I choose an acupuncturist for my animals? 

There are two important criteria you should look for in a veterinary acupuncturist:  

1. Your veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed veterinarian or 

physiotherapist.  

2. Your veterinary acupuncturist should have formal training in practicing 

acupuncture for animals.  

In most countries, states, and provinces, veterinary acupuncture is considered a 

surgical procedure that only licensed veterinarians may legally administer to 

animals. A veterinarian is in the best position to diagnose an animal's health 

problem and then to determine whether an animal is likely to benefit from an 

acupuncture treatment, or whether its problem requires chemical, surgical, 

or no intervention.

Akupunktion vaikutusmekanismit                

Kipu

Akupunktion kipua lievittävä vaikutus on akupunktioperustutkimuksen ohella eniten tieteellisesti tutkittu akupunktiosovellutus.

Immunologiset vaikutukset

Akupunktion on todettu vaikuttavan eri verisolujen määrään.

Hormonieritys ja homeostaasi

Terve elimistö pyrkii itse pitämään tasapainon eli homeostaasin yllä, mikä tarkoittaa sitä, että kaikki vialliset osat pyritään heti korjaamaan elimistön omien säätelymekanismien avulla oli vika sitten yhdessä tai useammassa solussa, hormonierityksessä, immuunipuolustuksessa tai eri elinten toiminnassa. Akupunktio tehostaa elimistön omia tasapainoon pyrkiviä mekanismeja ja sillä voidaan vaikuttaa hormonieritykseen.

Holistic medicine as defined by Are Thoresen,

is especially occupied by four main factors in development of disease; (a) the predisposing factor,

(b) the initiating factor, (c) the weak anatomical structure and (d) the syndrome.

·         The predisposing factor (a) is an inner unbalance, usually a deficiency, in one or more of the 12 main processes (meridians, organs).

·         The stressor or initiating factor (b) is the external or internal stress which trigger the already deficient internal process to collapse.

In addition to these two main factors responsible for the development of disease, it will be important also to be able to consider

·         The weak spot (c). This is the ”Achilles-heel” of the organism, the weak anatomical structure or stressed part where any deficiency most probably will manifest itself.

·         In this weak anatomical area the syndrome (d) will manifest. The syndrome is the material manifestation of the disease. The syndrome is not the disease itself, only the bodys own manifestation of the inner deficiency. This manifestation is also very often the bodys attempt to help the deficient inner process.