Dogs and cats can be treated with and benefit from acupuncture just like humans. Veterinary acupuncture works on the same principle: to stimulate specific points on the body to cause a therapeutic effect.
Acupuncture has been a staple of Chinese medicine, practiced in both humans and animals, for thousands of years. It helps bring the body into balance.
The Yin and Yang of Acupuncture: Basic Principles
Acupuncture works on the life force called Qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi contains two contrasting energies you’ve likely heard of: Yin and Yang.
Yin is cool, dark, and still. Yang is warm, light, and expanding. When Qi flows through the body, it balances Yin and Yang. When Qi is interrupted, Yin and Yang are out of balance, causing discomfort and pain.
Acupuncture targets and triggers specific places to restart the flow of Qi and restore balance and health.
Acupuncture 101: Holistic & Scientific
The practice of acupuncture is gently, expertly inserting tiny needles into exact points on the body to produce a healing response. Those points are called acupoints.
So acupuncture is both holistic and scientific! This means it can really help pets—especially those with certain chronic conditions.
Many pet parents report improvement after just one acupuncture session. Yet, results are not generally immediate. Acupuncture works best over time, often monthly since it is meant to help the body heal itself by producing beneficial health effects.
Each acupuncture session takes 20 to 45 minutes. Some pets are better suited to this treatment. Extremely anxious pets may not be good acupuncture candidates. Hyper or very wiggly pets may also prove difficult to treat.
Although sitting perfectly still is not a requirement, staying calm on a lap, being able to sit and stay, curling up on a blankie, or relaxing on the floor is necessary. Some pets love acupuncture so much they just take a nap!
Veterinary acupuncture is very safe when administered by a vet with special training and certification. Meet Dr. Kristi Crosier.
Dr. Crosier is a veterinarian and licensed veterinary acupuncturist. She earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2003 from NC State and trained in acupuncture at The Chi Institute in Florida.
After practicing in Fairfax, Virginia, for 12 years, Dr. Croiser returned to Raleigh and founded Jing Well: a mobile veterinary acupuncture service for small animals and horses. She believes acupuncture is a great fit with traditional vet medicine.
Dr. Crosier: Our new acupuncturist.
Case Study: Frances
Frances is a 7-year-old cat with severe environmental allergies. She receives oral, topical, and injectable allergy medications, all under the careful guidance of her Eno vet.
Frances has also been treated with acupuncture by Dr. Crosier for a year. Her skin still shows some small signs of itchiness, especially during high-pollen months. Yet her coat is so much fuller and fluffier! Most importantly, she’s happier because her skin is healthier: no more scratching, chewing, or gnawing incessantly at herself.
Traditional medicine and acupuncture are working together to help Frances. Pairing acupuncture from Dr. Crosier with treatments from Eno may be the perfect plan for your pet.
Dr. Crosier is dedicated to working with your Eno vet to give your unique fur baby the best combination of the best care. During your pet’s initial consultation, she’ll tell you all about acupuncture and what it can do. We think acupuncture is fascinating and wonderful!
Acupuncture is a great tool to add to your pet’s treatment toolbox.
Acupuncture produces physiological benefits such as pain relief, the promotion of tissue healing, regulation of gastrointestinal issues and the immune system, and reduced inflammation.
That means acupuncture therapy can effectively help treat:
- Pain and soreness from arthritis, back problems, and degenerative joint disease
- Neurological disorders like seizures and nerve damage
- Gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Many chronic conditions: asthma, allergies, kidney issues, Cushing’s Disease, and others
It can also help maintain a good quality of life for senior pets, especially those with weakened muscles.
A Unique Option for Best Care
Does this all seem a bit like laser therapy? It is! In a way. Both laser therapy and acupuncture promote healing, reduce inflammation, and decrease pain. They’re both safe and drug-free.
Yet, just as each pet is unique, these two practices offer unique benefits. Depending on the nature of the health problem, some pets do very well with acupuncture since it can increase energy, stimulate appetite, modulate temperature, and support immune function.
The Eno team is thrilled to welcome Dr. Crosier as our acupuncturist. She can treat your pet right here at Eno, alongside the vet and team your fur baby already knows.
Your vet can help you decide the best course of care for your fur baby. Call us at (919) 471-0308 for more details or request a visit through our website.