Benefits of Acupuncture In Veterinary Practice

Acupuncture is another tool of medicine, like prescription medication and surgery, that is used to heal from disease and feel better. The basis of acupuncture is to help stimulate the body to heal itself. When the body is sick, the immune system is often suppressed and sluggish, and the stimulation from acupuncture to certain parts of the body sometimes helps kick it into gear.

 Acupuncture works well when intagrated with traditional Western medicine, especially in the case of chronic disorders, because traditional medicine often has a more acute, immediate effect, whereas the effects of acupuncture are slower in onset but longer in duration. The two modalities complement each other in that way.

Acupuncture points, the areas in which acupuncture needles are placed, are anatomically located in places that have a high density of nerve endings, tiny blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels. It is because of these anatomical features that acupuncture can carry out its effects. These features also allow acupuncture to have both local and distant effects within the body.

  The placement and location of the acupuncture needles are selected to stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, decrease inflamation and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins, one of the body's pain control chemicals; serotonin; epinephrine; and others.

Acupuncture can be used, most preferably along with traditional Western medicine, for many different disease conditions. These conditions can include musculoskeletel problems, e.g. dejenerative joint disease, injuries, muscle soreness, trigger points, and post-orthopedic-surgery inflammation/pain; respiratory disorders, such as feline asthma and chronic bronchitis; neurological conditions, e.g. paresis, paralysis, and seizures, gastrointestinal disorders such as chronic diarrhea and vomiting, and poor appetite; chronic renal insufficiency or failure; skin conditions, like chronic allergies and lick granulomas; behavioral issues, such as seperation anxiety and phobias; pain and non-infectious inflammation from various conditions; and decreased quality of life issues, secondary to a number of chronic diseases, including cancer.

The advantages of adding acupuncture into the treatment plan for the above conditions are numerous. it can accelerate healing time, improve effectiveness of traditional medicine, stimulate the body to participate in its own healing process, and lower the amounts and doses of traditional medicine being used. In addition, for patients traditionally reliant upon very long-term medication for certain disorders, acupuncture can sometimes help their bodies reach a point where treatments can be given as needed (when clinical signs start to recur) instead of indefinitely.

In summary, acupuncture is just one more tool, along with prescripition medication, surgery, diet change, and various supplemements, that can be used in an effort to increase patient quality of life and combat disease conditions.

 The more accurate the diagnosis, and the greater amount of treatment options availabable, the better the chances are for  patient healing and recovery.