If you are a holistic medicine practitioner, you may want to extend your holistic and natural views on doctors to your pet. One form of holistic treatment that an increasing number of pet owners prefer to use is acupuncture. Of course, not everyone is a supporter of holistic treatment. But for those who have it, it is possible that this procedure can help your pet heal without the need for harsh chemicals, preservatives or synthetics.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a procedure that has been used in China for thousands of years. This procedure has long been used to treat human diseases, but is also growing in popularity with pet owners.
The main promise of acupuncture is that the life force, called chi, flows throughout the body. This force flows through paths called meridians, and by stimulating these pathways, the body is recommended to release endorphins to relieve pain. Acupuncture can also be used to achieve other effects, including:
o Anti-infection
o Reducing inflation
o Euphoria
o Increased circulation
In general, the goal of acupuncture is to provide a balance for chi, increasing chi in some meridians, reducing it in others.
How does acupuncture work?
The acupuncture procedure is actually quite simple. First, a very thin needle, which is only as thin as a piece of hair, is inserted at certain points on the body of the pet. In some cases, a mild electrical current is applied during the procedure, or the problems can be rotated or moved to achieve the desired effects.
The place where the needles are placed depends on the disease or problem being treated. To accurately determine the correct points, a veterinarian must be trained in acupuncture.
How long does acupuncture take?
The acupuncture procedure takes only about 20 minutes or one hour to complete. For some pets, relief can occur almost immediately. In other cases, it may take from 2 to 6 weeks before the pet is relieved. On the other hand, some animals may not have any relief. If after completion of 10 sessions no results are visible, the treatment is usually suspended.
Regular treatment may be required to achieve and maintain results. As a rule, a pet needs 1 or 2 treatments per week until the condition is properly managed. After this treatment can be carried out on a less frequent basis.
What is treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of different diseases and ailments. The most common uses for acupuncture include:
o Allergies
o Osteoarthritis
o cancer
o Chronic kidney disease
o Degenerative joint disease
o Epilepsy
o Hip dysplasia
o Digestive disorders
o Intervertebral disc disease
o muscle cramps
o skin problems
If you are not sure whether acupuncture is right for you or not, you may need to consider other holistic treatment options. Features include massage, acupressure and reflexology. Each of these options can be discussed with your veterinarian to find the option that is best for you.
