We know that there are often multiple treatments that help a particular condition. Depending on the patient, one or more therapies may be used together (medications, surgery, acupuncture, physical therapy) for the best outcome and reduced side effects. A relatively new form of medicine is being utilized for humans known as “Integrative Medicine” which is exactly that, the integration of multiple treatments for the best outcome and fewest side effects. 

How It Works

Acupuncture in general:

Acupuncture is the placement of needles at particular locations along the body. The pinpoints are on a series of channels or meridians that have been mapped on the body centuries ago. These meridians corresponding with body organs or systems. Placement of these hair like needles stimulates endorphins and neurotransmitters and is quick and often painless. Many pets rest very quietly fall asleep after placement of their treatment. Some pets show signs of improvement after the first treatment, and some pets require several treatments to see the benefit. We recommend committing to 3-4 treatments before deciding that it may not help.

The first acupuncture session lasts approximately one hour and consists of taking a detailed history of your pet’s life and who they are today. After this history and a physical evaluation, we will put together a treatment plan or “Prescription” which is the map of where the needles will be placed. Your pet will be with you during the entirety of the visit, and we usually leave the needles in place for 10-15 minutes. Sometimes we use and electrical unit that gives tiny electrical impulses to the needles that are placed.

The next 2 appointments are about a week apart, and are usually 30 minute appointments. We will discuss how you feel your pet responded, and then do another brief exam followed by needle placement. The next appointments are spaced out further, and for chronic cases we usually see our patients every 8 to 12 weeks. Most pet owners we work with know when they need to bring their dog or cat back in by this point, they see the treatment effects begin to wane. You see, with acupuncture we are placing these needles on the lines or meridians and trying to open the channels, painful conditions are a result of stagnation of the vital life force or energy, often called “Chi.” Placement of needles in these channels frees the stagnation and allows the energy or chi to flow and relieves or reduces the discomfort.