Acupuncture is one technique within the realm of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). TCVM is the term used to describe the basic philosophies and principles of care to treat animals in China for thousands of years.
The beauty of the TCVM perspective is how the character of the patient is considered within the context of the environment, the season, the lifestyle in a way that acknowledges how these factors affect the symptoms in the body.
The TCVM practitioner utilizes the subtle findings of the physical exam to evaluate health: the color and shape of the tongue, the characteristic of 12 different pulses, the consistency of the fur and skin, the smell of the body, the color and consistency and smell of feces, the sleep cycle, temperament, appetite, and more. These findings are considered in the overall context of the life of the patient to determine where imbalances, deficiencies, and excesses exist.
Have you ever wondered why some animals have a pink tongue, while another is lavender or dark red? Or, why the nose of one dog is dry and hot but another is dripping wet and cold? Or, why one animal likes to lie on the hard cool floor, while the other one stays on the soft pillow in the sun? These are a few of the kinds of observations that can give clues about an animal’s overall health.
Acupuncture relieves imbalances and strengthens the body by using very fine needles to elicit responses in points in the body that connect with the systems out of balance. These points are called acupuncture points and are located along more than 12 meridians, or channel pathways, that run like telephone wires through the body connecting every organ with every other organ.
TCVM practitioners recognize disease as an imbalance in the body. A disease pattern is identified through understanding that the body is an integrated, energetic entity and that when the energy flow is disturbed the disease takes hold of the whole organism. Acupuncture is used to restore balance and health.
Believe it or not, alternative medicine isn’t something just for humans. Many cat, dog, and even horse owners are learning that certain types of massage and even acupuncture are a great way to treat a variety of different health conditions. Keep reading to learn more about what this is and how a visit to our team can improve your animal’s overall wellness.
What is Veterinary Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is commonly defined as the process of inserting special needles into various points of the body to trigger a certain response. In the case of animals, veterinary acupuncture is often used to assist with a wide variety of health conditions.
In general, those that practice veterinary acupuncture usually do so in one of two categories: small animal or large animal. Cats, dogs, and even some exotic species generally fall into the small animal category, while horses and livestock are considered large animals. The two different types of acupuncture follow the same protocols but are a little varied due to the overall size of the pet.
Is Veterinary Acupuncture Safe?
Yes, veterinary acupuncture is very safe for most animals. The process goes back thousands of years on both people and pets. It is important to note that most mammals feel a little sleepy or sore after the session, which can cause a change in behavior for twelve to twenty-four hours.
The Benefits of Veterinary Acupuncture
Studies have shown numerous benefits of veterinary acupuncture, with the results mostly in line with what one would expect for human patients. For example, a cat suffering from arthritis or a senior dog with allergic dermatitis could very reasonably see improvement after a single session. With horses and cows, many reproductive issues and neurological symptoms are reduced through a series of veterinary acupuncture sessions.
However, it is nearly impossible to determine if a pet would benefit from this type of treatment without knowing their age, size, and previous health history. That’s why it is so important to get in touch with Dr. Dworak at Animal Health & Healing to discuss the potential of veterinary acupuncture and inquire about their thoughts on this fascinating option.
Let Our Team Help Increase Your Pet’s Wellness
Are you ready to learn more about veterinary acupuncture and how it can help increase your pet’s overall wellness? Our team at Animal Health & Healing is ready to help educate you on the process while also seeing what we can do to improve the health of your animal. Please contact us today at (406) 218-9510 to learn more or to schedule an appointment session.