Education Center (FAQ)
How should I choose a veterinary acupuncturist?
Two important criteria: First your veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed veterinarian. In most states, provinces, and countries veterinary acupuncture is consider a surgical procedure that only licensed veterinarians may legally administer. Second your veterinary acupuncturist should have some formal training in the practice of animal acupuncture. The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) has a formal training and certification program, as well as the Chi Institute of Florida, Ask your veterinarian about her or his training. To locate a veterinary acupuncturist near you contact the AAVA office at 1-860-632-9911 or go online to www.aava.org.
How often and how long are acupuncture treatments for pets?
The length and frequency of treatments depends on the problem and condition of the patient.Stimulation of an individual acupuncture point may be for as little as 10 seconds or as long as 20 minutes, generally acute problems require less time and frequency of treatment. For example an acute sprain may require only one treatment, whereas more severe or chronic ailments may need several or several dozen treatments. If multiple treatments are necessary that are given 1-2 treatments per week for 2-6 weeks.
Once acupuncture treatments begin, when will I see improvement in my pet’s condition?
A positive response is generally seen after the first to third treatment. Once a maximum response is achieved (usually after 4-8 treatments) treatments are tapered off so the maximum amount of symptom-free time elapses between them. Many animals with chronic conditions can taper off to a treatment every one to three months.
When should someone consider acupuncture for their pet?
Acupuncture is known to have good therapeutic effect in a wide variety of animal diseases. Pain modification is an important application of veterinary acupuncture, but there are much wider applications. Examples of clinical conditions where veterinary acupuncture may be used are: Gastrointestinal disorders- gastritis, enteritis, colitis, vomiting, rectal prolapse, megacolon; Respiratory problems- rhinitis, asthma, chronic cough, epistaxis; Neurological disorders- epilepsy, deafness, chronic pain, pinched nerves; Urinary disorders- incontinence, cystitis; Musculoskeletal disorders- chronic degenerative joint disease, disc disease, hip dysplasia, tendonitis, muscle spasms; and Dermatological problems- chronic skin disease, lick granulomas, allergic dermatitis. These are just a sampling of how acupuncture can benefit veterinary patients.
What are the benefits that can be received from pet acupuncture?
Veterinary acupuncture has been used to treat animals in China for nearly 4000 years.In North America it has been used for decades in both large and small animal. Acupuncture is one of a variety of therapies a veterinarian may use to treat animals. Simply stated, acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect. It is a means of helping the body heal itself. Acupuncture is not a cure-all, but where indicated it works well when used alone, or in combination with traditional veterinary medicine.
Ultimate Yin and Yang. Dr. Levy’s puppies
May 2000, Mardi and Lundi)
Ancient Chinese medical philosophy believes that disease is a result of an imbalance of energy in the body, what the Chinese refer to as the balance of Yin and Yang. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy, and thereby assist the body in healing disease. In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body’s efforts to heal itself by causing certain physiological changes. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, and relieve muscle spasms, and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body’s pain control) or cortisol (a natural steroid).