Acupuncture
Developed and used in China for thousands of years in the treatment and prevention of disease.
Modern needles are sterile and designed to minimize discomfort. As opposed to beveled needles that we are accustomed to, Acupuncture needles are round and smooth to avoid cutting tissue as they are placed. DeQi sensation is experienced differently between patients and even in the same patient during different sessions. Some describe feeling numbness, burning, or tingling sensations. Animals may express surprise by crying out or jerking the body away but rarely is treatment painful. Often, patients act as though nothing has happened and may sleep during treatment.
Treatment sessions are conducted in manner that fosters relaxation such as avoiding interference from other animals and crowds of observers, loud or sharp noise and commotion, and free of interruption. Points are chosen based on patient condition and goals of treatment. Session frequency is determined by patient need as well as owner finances and time constraints. A minimum of six treatments is recommended to gauge the full response but some improvement should be noted within three sessions, no matter how small. Patients with chronic problems take longer to show significant improvement whereas those with acute problems may recover after just a single treatment.
Acupuncture sessions may utilize needle Hand Manipulation, Electrical Stimulation, Moxibustion (heat application by burning Mugwort), Hemopuncture (bleeding a point), Aquapuncture (injecting a substance into points), or Low Energy Photon Therapy (Photobiomodulation). Choice of technique is based on patient need and tolerance. Animals are not forced to withstand treatment. When a patient rejects a technique, another is chosen that is more acceptable. If the animal is struggling or attempting to escape or otherwise avoid treatment, there can be no relaxation and the efficacy is compromised. Struggle and excessive movement can result in adverse effects such as broken needles, damage to critical structures, and even injury to handlers.
