Integrative Veterinary Center

Veterinary Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which has been practiced for over 5000 years. Traditional Chinese Medicine theory holds that Qi (vital energy) flows throughout the body along energetic channels called meridians. Each meridian is also associated with a specific internal organ which reflects the physiological and pathological conditions of that organ. The meridians connect the exterior of the body with the interior. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians, and when stimulated can relieve pain and restore normal body functions. Acupuncture points have specific locations and effects and have been documented over millennium. From a Western perspective, acupuncture has been shown to stimulate a variety of sensory nerves in the body that transmit the signal through the nervous system to the brain, which then releases various chemicals that produce multiple physiologic effects that activate the body's homeostatic regulatory mechanisms.

Acupuncture Techniques

1. Acupressure (manual): The stimulation of acupoints using finger pressure to maintain or improve the acupuncture treatment an animal receives. It is often taught to pet owners to use at home.

2. Acupuncture (needles): Sterile disposable filiform stainless steel needles are typically used. The length and gauge used is determined by the size of the animal, needling technique, and location of the acupoints being treated.

3. Moxibustion (heat): Artemesia vulgaris, or moxa, is a Chinese herb that has been used for centuries to heat acupuncture points. It is used either directly over the acupuncture point without touching it or indirectly attached to the top of a needle. The heat travels down the needle and into the acupoint to stimulate it.

4. Aquapuncture (injection): Stimulation of acupoints by injection using various solutions. Solutions injected include vitamins (especially B12 and C), sterile water, physiologic saline, electrolyte solutions, antibiotics, herbal and homeopathic extracts, analgesics, steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

5. Electroacupuncture (electrical current): Electronic alternating current devices provide very strong stimulation to acupuncture points. Acupuncture needles are placed and then electrical leads that fit around the needles are attached. The strength of the stimulus is adjustable. EAP is typically used for acute and chronic pain, and is the technique of choice for intervertebral disc disease with paralysis and other cases where nervous tissue damage is present.

6. Laser Acupuncture (LAP): The use of cold, low intensity lasers to stimulate acupuncture points is achieved by the use of two types of laser: helium-neon gas tube and gallium-arsenite diode (an infrared light emitter). LAP can be done rapidly and is especially useful for acupoints that are in sensitive or dangerous areas of the body.

7. Gold Beads (implantation): Long term stimulation of acupuncture points can be achieved by implanting gold beads or wire. In general, it is reserved for severe conditions in which other acupuncture techniques have failed and/or Western medicine is not effective. It is also recommended for use in animals that won't tolerate regular acupuncture treatments, or those that have advanced osteoarthritis. Gold beads are also used to control seizures, gingivitis-stomatitis in the cat and chronic sinusitis-conjunctivitis.

8. Cupping (vacuum): A cupping jar is a small glass bottle with a smooth and rounded mouth used to create a partial vacuum over the skin. The cup is firmly placed over the acupuncture point. The Chinese use this technique to improve blood circulation and relieve pain.

9. Plum Blossom (cutaneous): This technique consists of tapping the skin lightly with a hammer shaped instrument that has a group of needles on the end. One can tap along an entire meridian or tap at a specific acupuncture point. Plum Blossom technique is often used in China to treat chronic dermatologic conditions.

Acupuncture FAQ