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ACUPUNCTURE
By Peter Brown, DVM
What is it?
Acupuncture is a part of Chinese Medicine that has been developed over centuries. It is not a cure-all treatment. Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to be helpful in the control of symptoms as well as the cure of disease. The most effective use of acupuncture is when it is used in combination with other modalities such as western medicines, supplements and physical therapy.
How does it work?
Acupuncture works by re-establishing balance in the body (when disease or pain is present there is unbalance). Balance is achieved by stimulating points (acupoints) that have shown to cause certain physiological effects by using needles in these specific locations on the body. Effects that may be achieved include pain relief, seizure control, improved blood flow, etc.
When is it used?
Acupuncture can be used with any medical case. I have chosen to concentrate on the diseases where the most scientific proof of success with acupuncture has been achieved. The conditions where I recommend acupuncture are chronic pain, seizure control and any disease that is not responding to traditional medicine alone. The majority of cases that I have been treating have been chronic arthritis in dogs. Cats can also benefit greatly with acupuncture.
How often?
The decision of how often to treat is dependent on each case. Most often we do weekly sessions (30 minutes) for 4-8 weeks with a gradually increasing time between sessions after this.
Does it always work?
About 70% of dogs will show improvement after the first 4 sessions. If we have not seen improvement after the first 4-6 sessions we often make a decision to not continue the acupuncture treatments. At that time, we can discuss other options for treatment.
Does it hurt?
It is relatively painless. I have had very few reactions from my patients.
Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic
“Your Pets Are Our Life”
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