One of the most common questions I get about acupuncture is: DOES IT WORK?
Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years in China and is very commonly practiced alongside Western medicine as well. Acupuncture is very safe and can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions.
Acupuncture is especially effective in treating pain-based conditions, but can also be useful in managing neurologic conditions, endocrine conditions, and common complaints in our companion animals such as digestive, urinary, liver, and kidney abnormalities.
From a western medicine/science-based perspective, we understand that acupuncture influences the nervous system as well as the fascia (a layer of connective tissue throughout the entire body) – which is why it is an effective tool for so many different conditions.
Seeing is believing. For many people, doubt remains about how effective acupuncture could be until they feel the benefit themselves or see it in their pets. Give it a try!
The second most common question I get: WILL MY PET LIKE IT?
The needles used for acupuncture are very small and most pets don’t react when the needles are inserted. There can sometimes be tender spots, but most pets experience only warmth, tingling, or no sensation at all. For some treatments, electroacupuncture is used. This uses a small electric current between the needles to engage more of the nervous system, which feels like static electricity.
Because acupuncture causes the release of endorphins and serotonin, most pets feel very calm and content while receiving therapy. This, plus the pain relieving effects, helps explain why so many pets love to get acupuncture!
Check out some references to the science behind acupuncture on the Resources page.