What is Veterinary Acupuncture?
The technique in which the specific points on the body gets senseless to produce a healing response is known as Acupuncture. When every acupuncture points are stimulated it has some explicit action. In China this procedure has been worn for many years as veterinary practice to treat several ailments and also used as preventative medicine. To treat all extensive diversity conditions in every species of animal acupuncture is spread all over the world either alone or combine with western medicine. It goes well even with clinical research and has also conducted a positive result in the treatment of animals as well as humans. This shows the increasing level of acceptance of acupuncture. In every circumstances acupuncture will not alleviate but it will work well when it is required.
For Which Conditions is Acupuncture Indicated?
Acupuncture is indicated for some specific practical conditions such as allergies, paralysis, pain and non-infectious inflammation. Some general conditions where acupuncture is helpful are the functional problems in small animals. Some of the functional problems which can be treated with acupuncture are listed below:
- Problems such as inter-vertebral disk disease, arthritis, downer cow syndrome or sore back and traumatic nerve injury which are also known as musculoskeletal conditions
- Problems such as feline asthma, bleeders and heaves which are basically respiratory condition
- Problems such as allergic dermatitis and lick granulomas are skin problems
- Some problems related to reproduction
- Problems like non-surgical colic are gastrointestinal problems
- Facial paralysis which is a neurological condition
Acupuncture is helpful in a number of ways; regular therapy can help in treating minor injuries such as sports injuries. Acupuncture help in keeping the muscles and tendons injury resistant. Acupuncture is often used as a routine therapy by athletes across the world. Even animals that are trained for sporting activities are also relative with this therapy as a part of their routine. It helps in keeping the body at its best form. Buckhead vet is one such facility which provides acupuncture therapy for animals.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is one ancient therapy which is decades older than the modern scientific methods. With the introduction of modern scientific methods for treating health conditions, various studies and researches have been carried out on Acupuncture. Scientists and researchers have worked on this method to understand the physiologic mechanism involved with it. The basics of this therapy have been proven with the help of f-MRI or functional MRI. This process examines the 15 different points where acupuncture is done. Depending on the observations of these 15 points, acupuncture is based on the method and duration of stimulation applied on a specific point. These stimulations lead to some specific effect in the central nervous system. The acupuncture points which have pain relief properties are also associated with activation of specific pain related brainstem region. The NIH or National Institute of Health, through their research and studies has developed a consensus on the efficacy of acupuncture. Through this consensus, it was proved that acupuncture is potent enough to treat health conditions such as musculoskeletal pain and osteoarthritis.
Is Acupuncture Painful?
Acupuncture is not at all painful for small animals as the acupuncture needles inserted in their body are smaller in size and virtually painless. In case of large animals, larger needles are required which might cause some pain while insertion. Once the needles are placed inside the body passing through the skin, there is no more pain. Acupuncture helps in relaxing the body and most animals go off to sleep during this therapy. During the initiation of the therapy, animals might feel some kind of sensations such as cramps, tingles and numbness. It is common for humans too.
Is Acupuncture Safe for Animals?
It is the most hygienic, healthy and safest form of treatment when performed by an experienced and trained veterinarian. There are some side effects of this therapy but they occur rarely. After an acupuncture therapy, the condition of the animal might seem to be same for the next 48 hours. In some cases, animals become extremely lethargic and this lasts for almost 24 hours after the therapy. These are the symptoms of the physiological changes occurring in the body of the animal which later develops to healing the condition of your animal or pet.
