You have likely heard of acupuncture for people, but did you know that this ancient Chinese therapy is also available for dogs? If your dog suffers from chronic pain, arthritis, gastrointestinal issues, and more, acupuncture may be able to help them feel better. Our Clarksville vets vets explain a little about how it works.
Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)
Acupuncture is a treatment that has been used for centuries in China to relieve pain and treat a host of illnesses in people. Now vets trained in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) offer this therapy to our dogs as well.
Acupuncture for dogs is performed by a trained TCVM veterinary professional and aims to treat and manage the symptoms of illnesses and disorders by inserting ultra-thin needles into specific points on the body where nerves and blood vessels intersect.
TCVM, which also includes other therapies beyond acupuncture, can be combined with conventional veterinary care to provide a more holistic, full-body approach to treating medical conditions in dogs.
Dogs at any stage of life, from puppies to adult and senior dogs, can undergo acupuncture treatment for a range of health conditions. These treatments are considered a safe and effective therapy that may provide relief from the pain or discomfort associated with injury and illness.
Acupuncture for Animals - The Process
Before treatment of any kind can begin, it is essential to determine the underlying cause of your dog's symptoms. Once the cause of the symptoms is known, treatment can begin to focus on the specific issue.
The aim of veterinary acupuncture is to help your dog's body heal itself by resetting the balance of energy throughout the body, known as "chi". This is done by inserting a series of fine needles into the dog's body at specific points where blood vessels and nerves intersect. Although the process is virtually painless, endorphins, which are the body's natural pain-killers, are released. This process helps to relieve your dog's acute and chronic pain or discomfort.
It is also believed that the acupuncture process stimulates the release of serotonin which can help to reduce anxiety levels and generate feelings of contentment and happiness.
Other forms of TCVM can include acupressure, aquapuncture, laser energy, electrostimulation, and other alternative therapies.
Benefits of Veterinary Acupuncture
Veterinary acupuncture and other traditional Chinese treatments are believed to produce a number of health benefits while avoiding the negative side effects that can be brought on by some conventional medications and treatments. Benefits of veterinary acupuncture for dogs include:
- Stimulating the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory substances.
- No negative side effects on internal organs, as can occur with some prescription medications.
- There are no adverse interactions with other medications or supplements, making acupuncture a safe treatment for dogs undergoing conventional treatments.
- Acupuncture treatments are believed to create elevated blood flow and increased oxygenation as well as improved metabolic and toxic waste removal.
- Localized pain relief may be achieved at the site of needle insertion due to the relaxation of the muscles in that area.
Conditions That Can be Treated with Acupuncture
As with acupuncture for people, a variety of illnesses and conditions in dogs can be treated and managed through the use of veterinary acupuncture. Health conditions that involve inflammation or chronic pain tend to be especially responsive to this type of treatment. Some of the conditions treated by acupuncture include:
Metabolic Diseases
Acupuncture is believed to help with metabolic disorders by regulating your dog's endocrine system, improving digestion, and relieving oxidative stress. Acupuncture treatment also aims to improve blood flow to the tissues which boosts oxygenation and the removal of toxins and metabolic waste.
Arthritis
The pain and discomfort from arthritis may also be relieved with acupuncture for dogs due to the release of endorphins. In some cases acupuncture treatment may reduce the need for conventional pain medications. Acupuncture can also used to relieve pain in dogs who are unable to tolerate conventional pain medications.
Degenerative Joint Disease
Joint disease is common in dogs and can seriously impact their quality of life. Acupuncture aims to decrease the pain and tension associated with joint issues, making movement easier for your dog.
Trauma
If your dog has experienced an injury or trauma, such as an accident, fall, or fight, inflammation and pain may result. Acupuncture and other traditional Chinese veterinary medicines can be used to treat these symptoms and help your dog recover and return to good health.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding dogs. For an accurate diagnosis of your dog's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.