Q: 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 founder 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 in 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.
Q: 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 wich may be treated with acupuncture:
• Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis or spinal disc pathology.
• Skin problems, such as lick granuloma.
• 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 downer cow syndrome.
• Nervous system problems, such as facial nerve paralysis.
• Skin problems, such as allergic dermatitis.
• Respiratory problems, such as heaves and "Bleeders".
• Selected reproductive disorders.
• 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.
Q: 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
to heal 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).
Q: 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.
In all animals, once the needles are in place, there should be no pain.
Most animals become very relaxed and may even become sleepy. Nevertheless, acupuncture treatment may cause some sensation, presumed to be those such as tingles, cramps, or numbness which can
occur in humans and which may be uncomfortable to some animals.
Q: 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.
Q: 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 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 respone 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 be benefit from acupuncture. The frequency depends on the intensity of the training and the condition of the athlete.
Q: 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 practice of 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.
Eläin-Akupunktio- ja Laserhoito erikoisklinikka,
yli 20 vuoden akupunktion työkokemus.
ELL, DVM Olaf Waltering.
Koiralle tai kissalle: 45-60 min. hoito klinikkalla
= 90,-€, sis 24% alv.
Hevosille: 70-90 min. hoito tallilla
= 120,-€, sis 24% alv, plus matkakulut 0,50€ / km.
