Acupuncture Basics
The High Points
1. Acupuncture works by stimulating the body to heal itself or to change its own response to pain
2. Acupuncture is safe in the hands of trained veterinary acupuncturists
3. 4-8 initial visits may be necessary, with "tune-ups" every few months as necessary - it is often best to fit multiple visits within the first 1-2 weeks for a faster response
Acupuncture Basics
Acupuncture is the use of needles inserted into special points on the body to stimulate a response. Acutherapy is a broader term that may include simply pressing these special points (acupressure), warming them (moxa), injecting them (aquapuncture) or stimulating them with mild electrical current (electroacupuncture). Although the response to these treatments is not completely understood, stimulation of acupuncture points is thought to cause release of chemical ‘mediators’ which act as signals to the nervous system. Some of these mediators include the pain killing endorphins, natural cortisone, norepinephrine (a mood modifying chemical, among other things) and more.
Because of the types of body chemicals controlled with acupuncture, this method of treatment may be very helpful in the treatment of painful musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and herniated disks (back pain). Acupuncture is also potentially useful for gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea, as well as some respiratory and skin problems.
What is involved in the treatment?
The treatment really depends on the patient’s condition. For arthritis and other chronic syndromes, multiple treatments may begin rather intensively (1-3 times weekly for a total of 4-8 treatments), and then taper off depending on the pet’s response. We usually know whether the animal is responding to acupuncture within 3-4 treatments. Only ‘tune-up’ treatments should be necessary over the long term, perhaps 2-4 times per year. For acute problems, such as mild disk disease, 1-2 or more treatments may be necessary. Treatments may last as little as the time it takes to insert and withdrawal a needle to up to 45 minutes.
Is it painful?
Acupuncture needles are very small, and beyond a very tiny sensation on insertion of the needle, treatments should not be painful except in occasional points. Most animals may feel tingling or numbing sensations similar to what humans describe when undergoing acupuncture. If the pet seems distressed with this, treatment may be adjusted to reduce this feeling. Many animals relax and fall asleep during the treatment, presumably because of the release of those chemical mediators described previously.
Side effects of acupuncture
Acupuncture is extremely safe; those problems reported in the human literature relate mainly to transmission of diseases such as Hepatitis and HIV when re-usable needles are employed. Most veterinary acupuncturists use disposable needles. Other side effects have included broken needles and puncturing organs and body cavities, but these are rare in the hands of trained acupuncturists.
One event that may be considered an adverse effect is a temporary worsening of signs. The animal may seem lethargic, or the symptoms being treated may worsen for up to 48 hours; this is usually followed by an improvement in the patient’s condition. These events are actually indications that physiologic changes are taking place because of the acupuncture treatment, and are usually considered an encouraging sign.