What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the art of inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body to promote healing. It is a gentle, non-invasive treatment useful for treating sick and injured pets. Dr. Moore and Dr. Szydlowski have both been trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) to diagnose and treat diseases with acupuncture.
How does acupuncture work?
In TCVM, acupuncture is seen as a way to move Qi (energy). Each acupuncture point has a specific goal, whether it is pain relief, increased blood flow, decreasing inflammation, immune system support, nerve stimulation, and release of endorphins and cortisol.
What can acupuncture treat?
Veterinary Acupuncture can help treat a variety of diseases including but not limited to arthritis, neurological disorders (seizures, disc disease, wobbler’s disease), dermatological disorders, behavioral disorders (anxiety, fear and aggression), gastrointestinal disorders (vomiting, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease), and improvement of quality of life in geriatric and/or cancer patients.
Is acupuncture painful?
The insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. Most animals become very relaxed and may even become sleepy. However, it does cause an energetic sensation which may be uncomfortable to some animals.
Can I use acupuncture with traditional medicine and/or surgery?
Yes, acupuncture is commonly used in conjunction with traditional modalities and medications.
How many treatments will my pet need?
The number of treatments required depends on the pet’s condition and response to treatment. Generally, acute conditions resolve quickly while chronic conditions require multiple treatments. For chronic conditions, we recommend three to five treatments to determine whether the pet shows improvement. If acupuncture is helping, lifelong therapy of weekly to monthly treatments may be recommended.