Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture is the insertion of very small needles to specific points or meridians on the body. It is one part of a 3,000 year old system of Traditional Chinese Medicine believing that life force, or qi (pronounced chee) moves through the body along specific pathways. This energy can be improved or altered by the influence of acupuncture. Our more familiar western medicine can explain part of the benefit of acupuncture by its effect on nerves, hormones and other chemicals in the body. Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal diseases, nerve disorders, allergies, seizures, cancer and organ dysfunction. The benefits of acupuncture are far reaching, and many owners notice improvements in appetite, energy, chronic pain and overall health and immune function.

 

 

A paralyzed cat receives an acupuncture treatment from Dr. Sivula


Acupuncture needs differ greatly from hypodermic needles used to draw blood in that the acupuncture needle is very fine and has a blunt end that does not cut into skin. These needles are placed with little to no discomfort, and most often our pets feel only pressure locally. The number of needles used for a treatment depends on the condition being treated, and the they are typically left in place for ten to twenty minutes. It's not necessary for our pets to stay still while receiving acupuncture - dogs and cats are welcome to calmly walk around the exam room, sit or lay down!

 

Acupuncture is often administered on a weekly basis for a series of six weeks. It takes time to build up an effect in your pet's body, so undertaking an acupuncture regimen requires commitment on your part. We must give these treatments time to work! The positive effects of this therapy may not be seen after the first visit alone, but the benefits will last longer and longer after each subsequent visit.