Acupuncture

Acupuncture is performed by inserting thin, sterile, stainless steel needles into specific points on the body.  Most acupuncture points are located along 14 major channels, which form a network that carries blood and energy throughout the entire body.  Acupuncture produces a physiological response.  It can provide pain relief, stimulate the immune and nervous systems, increase microcirculation, and decrease inflammation.  Acupuncture can also help restore balance between organ systems for optimal health and overall well being.  
We also offer different types of needle techniques, such as dry needle acupuncture, aqua acupuncture, electro acupuncture, heat acupuncture and laser acupuncture.

Acupuncture can be used to treat many conditions in both animals and humans.  Some common veterinary uses in dogs and cats are:

- skin disease
- renal disease
- cardiovascular disease
- respiratory disease
- gastrointestinal issues
- neurological disease
- degenerative joint disease
- urogenital disease
- immune related diseases
- chronic ear infections
- neoplasia
- post operative healing
- behavioral issues

Acupuncture needles are very fine gauge needles. While it is difficult to say exactly what animals feel, humans experience a range of sensations ranging from heaviness, tingling, aching, to deep relaxation. Most animals are comfortable with acupuncture and many animals fall asleep during treatment. For animals that do not tolerate acupuncture needles, we typically use Chinese herbal formulas to support the same treatment goal and/or cold laser to stimulate acupuncture points with light instead.

Acupuncture treatments are generally done every 1-4 weeks for 3-4 treatments and sessions typically last 20-40 minutes. Chronic diseases may require more frequent or prolonged treatments.