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Closed the first Saturday of the month
Acupuncture: Bringing Pets Into Balance
Acupuncture uses tiny needles to trigger therapeutic effects for Frances.
We’re always seeking more ways to help pets. Introducing acupuncture!
Dogs and cats can benefit greatly from acupuncture, which stimulates specific points on the body to produce a healing response.
Acupuncture helps treat the whole pet. We’re advocates for acupuncture because we want your fur baby to get the best combination of best care—and live the best life.
The Yin and Yang of Acupuncture: Basic Principles
Acupuncture works on the life force called Qi (“chee”). Qi contains two contrasting energies: 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: Both Holistic & Scientific
The practice of acupuncture is gently, expertly inserting tiny needles into exact points on the body called acupoints.
Acupoints are in high-density areas of nerve endings, mast cells, and lymphatic vessels. Most are motor points. Modern research shows stimulating acupoints induces the release of helpful chemicals: beta-endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters.
Many pet parents report improvement in their pets after just one acupuncture session. Yet results are not meant to be immediate. Consistency is key. Acupuncture works best over time, with regular sessions, since it helps the body heal itself.
Each acupuncture session takes 25 to 45 minutes. Some pets are better suited. Extremely anxious or hyper pets may prove difficult to treat with acupuncture.
Although sitting perfectly still is not necessary, a pet must be able to stay calm and not wiggle too much. Your fur baby can relax on your lap, a blankie, furniture, or the floor. Some pets love acupuncture so much they just take a nap!
Medical acupuncture is quite safe when administered by a vet with special training. Dr. Smith is certified in medical acupuncture and loves adding this tool to traditional treatment plans.
Case Study: Frances
Frances is a senior cat with severe food and environmental allergies. She gets a special diet and allergy injections, plus medical acupuncture every month. This all works together to keep her healthy, comfortable—and fluffy!
When Frances first started acupuncture, in March 2021, she was practically bald from all the itchiness. Now her skin may show small signs of allergies, especially during high-pollen months, yet her coat is full.
Best yet, she’s happy because her skin is healthy: no more scratching, chewing, or gnawing incessantly at herself.
Treating Frances with traditional allergy shots helps control her itchiness. Treating Frances with acupuncture helps her body control her allergies: cooling down her warm Yang energy and balancing her aggressive immune response to allergens. Freeing Frances’ Qi flow helps her body heal what ails her. Acupuncture is fascinating and wonderful!
Frances’ pet parents are thrilled and relieved; they plan to keep Frances on both allergy shots and acupuncture for the rest of her life. Pairing acupuncture with traditional treatment may be the perfect plan for your pet.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Help Treat?
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 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, each practice offers unique benefits. Depending on the health issue, your pet may do better with acupuncture since it increases energy, stimulates appetite, modulates temperature, and supports immune function.
Our team will help you decide the best care for your fur baby. Call us at (919) 471-0308 for more details or request a visit through our website.
