What is veterinary acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a therapy where small needles are inserted into points along the surface of the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes that there are meridians of energy or qi, which flow through the body. Disease and dysfunction arise when the flow of qi through these meridians is blocked or when the qi does not flow smoothly. Insertion of acupuncture needles removes blockages and reestablishes the flow of smooth qi throughout the body. Scientific studies have shown that acupuncture blocks transmission through pain receptors, increases blood flow to organs, and releases substances in the body, which stimulate the immune system. Acupuncture utilizes the body's own ability to heal which can lead to cures for many chronic conditions. In my practice I combine acupuncture with traditional chinese herbal medicine.

Will my animal tolerate acupuncture?

The needles used in veterinary acupuncture are very small and most animals are very tolerant of their placement. I have treated a variety of dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Stewart the cat getting an acupuncture treatment on his deck - click the picture to see a bigger version.

What conditions is acupuncture commonly used to treat?

Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions by realigning the systems of the body. Here is a list of the most common conditions I treat:

• Chronic pain - from arthritis and back conditions
• Neurologic conditions - including stroke, seizures, vestibular disease, paraparesis, and disk disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Urinary incontinence
• Cancer- Acupuncture can be used to increase immunity, decrease pain, and stimulate appetite. It can also be used with chemotherapy and radiation treatments to increase white cells counts and decrease the side effects of these treatments.
• Post Surgery - Acupuncture can improve recovery and help decrease pain and promote healing.
• Inflammatory bowel disease

How often will my animal need acupuncture?

I initially recommend three treatments, generally a week apart. In acute conditions this is sometimes all that is needed. With chronic conditions, I treat animals anywhere from twice a week to once every three months.