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Acupuncture
has been practiced in both animals and human beings for thousands of years
in China. The earliest veterinary acupuncture book "Bo Le Zhen
Jing" (Bole's Canon of Veterinary Acupuncture) is believed to have
been written by Dr. Bo Le in the Qin-mu-gong period (659B.C. to 621 B.C.).
Veterinary treatment protocols using acupuncture were well documented
in this textbook. Since then, acupuncture was and is still a part of
the mainstream veterinary medical system in China.
Acupuncture has been
used for thousands of years in human and animal medicine to provide relief
for many conditions. It is the practice of placing very fine needles at
areas rich in nerve and blood supply to effect changes in the body. While
the ancient wisdom of acupuncture can be considered an art, modern science
has been interpreting the success experienced by patients. This has resulted
in a more neurologic and anatomical-based approach to acupuncture. The
American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes acupuncture within the
practice of veterinary medicine as a complementary and integrative therapy.
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Acupuncture helps the
body heal itself. Simply put, it works primarily through the nervous system.
As nerve fibers are stimulated by the tiny needles, neurochemicals are
released locally. These chemicals travel to the central nervous system
resulting in a cascade of feedback mechanisms. Endorphins, the body's
natural painkillers, are released and circulation is increased. Nerve and
defense systems are also activated. Because the nervous system is an
extensive network affecting every other system in the body, the effects of
acupuncture extend well beyond the needle insertion sites. It directs a
stimulating or calming effect on these systems through self-modulation. |
