The Benefits of Veterinary Acupuncture
Acupuncture
increases circulation, causes a release of many neurotransmitters
and neurohormones (some of which are endorphins, the “natural
pain-killing” hormones), relieves muscle spasms, stimulates nerves,
and stimulates the body’s defense system, among many other
beneficial effects. Acupuncture is not a “one-time fix”, nor is it a cure-all. It is
not uncommon for owners to observe improvement in their pet’s
condition after the first acupuncture treatment. Depending upon the
severity of the disease, some pets may not show any signs of
improvement until the sixth or eighth treatment. Effectiveness
should not be assessed until after three to four treatments.
Acupuncture can bridge the gap between medicine and surgery. In
China, it is often used as the primary treatment before conventional
medicines and surgery. In small animals, such as dogs and cats and
large animals, acupuncture is most commonly used for:
musculoskeletal problems (e.g. arthritis), skin problems, nervous
disorders, reproductive disorders, respiratory problems, poor
immunity and internal medicine problems such as heart (cardiac) and
kidney (renal) disease, etc. Acupuncture is now known to affect all
major physiologic systems including the musculoskeletal, hormonal,
and cardiovascular systems.