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Acupuncture
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
aims to treat the patient as a whole and to restore
balance to the body. This form of medicine has been
used for thousands of years. Stimulation of
acupuncture points change body chemistry.
Acupuncture points are areas of high concentrations
of small blood vessels and nerves. Acupuncture
needles stimulate the nervous system and cause
transmission of signals through nerves, the spinal
cord and into the brain with resultant changes in
neural output to the body (muscles, organs, etc.).
Acupuncture helps restore normal blood flow and thus
restores the normal distribution of oxygen,
nutrients, hormones and neurotransmitters to
affected areas of the body.
What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can be used alone and in
conjunction with western medicine to treat a wide
variety of medical problems. It is especially noted
for its ability to help with arthritis, hip
dysplasia, intervertebral disk disease, weakness,
paralysis, seizures, kidney failure, inflammatory
bowel disease and skin problems. Acupuncture can
also be used in the treatment of behavior disorders,
urinary disorders (incontinence, infection, stone
formation), upper respiratory infection, etc.
Acupuncture can also be used as an adjunct to cancer
treatment by helping to boost energy, appetite and
to treat symptoms.
How often will an animal need
acupuncture?
Initial treatment involves once weekly treatment for
4 weeks, then treatment every two weeks for two
treatments. After this we keep increasing treatment
interval to the longest interval tolerated by the
animal. Most animals with chronic conditions come
for maintenance acupuncture every 4-6 weeks. Some
animals only come seasonally (such as for skin
allergies) or as needed.
Is acupuncture all an animal will need?
Most animals will have some other treatment
as well. This may be conventional medications,
nutritional supplements, Chinese or western herbal
formulas and, of course, a good diet!
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