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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.
How
does it work?
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.
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