Why You Must Try Acupuncture for Your Pet
If your pet suffers from joint inflammation, allergies, gastrointestinal difficulties, hip dysplasia, or neurological conditions, your vet might suggest acupuncture. The ancient Chinese method is regularly suggested as an adjunct to standard vet treatments such as medicine and surgical treatment.
While alternative treatment is beneficial, it is not suitable for all pets. Acupuncture should not be used for severe conditions like infections. Some pets might refuse to cooperate when an acupuncturist asks them to remain motionless for 20 minutes.
Acupuncture, according to research, can help reduce pain and swelling while also improving a pet’s quality of life.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture originates from the Latin words “acus” for “needle” and “punctura” for “to prick.”
Acupuncture has been used successfully on people and animals for approximately 4,000 years. Neuroanatomical acupuncture stimulates the animal’s nervous system. Acupuncture is utilized for pain relief and seizure treatment combined with standard vet treatment.
In its most basic form, acupuncture treats illnesses or symptoms by inserting extremely thin needles into specific spots on the body. Acupuncture points can likewise be stimulated without needles by techniques such as acupressure, cupping, or by administering heat, cold, water, ultrasound, or other means at the practitioner’s discretion. Veterinary laser therapy, a treatment that promotes cell regeneration and circulation, is also utilized by some acupuncturists instead of needles.
What conditions respond well to acupuncture?
Acupuncture from reputable facilities like Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital is used not just for pain relief. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with conventional veterinary treatment to help resolve medical issues and provide our patients with a higher quality of life.
Acupuncture is usually used in small animals for neurological conditions such as muscular strains, joint inflammation, postoperative orthopedic ailments, and nervous system diseases such as postoperative neurologic conditions and seizure management. Acupuncture can also be used to treat different medical disorders, including kidney or liver disease, dermatological diseases, and pain management.
Acupuncture is usually utilized in big animals to treat musculoskeletal and reproductive problems. Treatment is also available for facial paralysis, TMJ discomfort, and nasal difficulties, among other things.
How safe is acupuncture?
When performed by a qualified acupuncturist from respectable facilities like an animal hospital Berkeley CA, this procedure is one of the safest treatments available. Because acupuncture balances the body’s inherent healing system, few side effects exist. Occasionally, an animal’s health may appear to deteriorate briefly before recovering.
Key Takeaways
- Is my pet a suitable candidate? Acupuncture might not be the perfect solution for elderly pets or those suffering from significant conditions or accidents. It is especially helpful in pets suffering from orthopedic problems such as joint inflammation and back pain.
- What about the adverse effects of needle insertion? While your pet might suffer an infection at a needle site, acupuncture reactions are infrequent.
- How long will it take for the procedure to work? The number of sessions your pet might require to obtain alleviation varies on the diagnosis. Usually, improvements occur after three to four sessions.
- What additional treatments would be beneficial? Veterinary acupuncturists might propose electro-acupuncture, which transmits moderate electric currents through the needles for higher stimulation. He may also suggest herbal medicines to augment acupuncture and accelerate healing.