What is Acupuncture....
In practise for thousands of years, acupuncture is a form of medicinal practise that traces its routes to the ancient Chinese texts.   According to it, a healthy animal has a circulation of energy, or life force called Chi, along well-defined channels on the skin called meridians.  These meridians are connected to the internal organs, muscular and joint structures and the nervous system.  Acupuncture points are points on these meridians where the flow of "chi" can be influenced.  In diseased animals the flow of energy gets disturbed. In such a situation, the acupuncturist can manipulate the energy flows by stimulating the acupuncture points, thus rectifying the disorder.  To treat the malady one needs to identify the problem correctly. 

This involves finding out : 
The meridians that pass through the area.
The point of stimulation to relieve the pain.
The method of stimulation to be used.
The other "special points" that will help decrease the pain.

In brief, first specific points on the affected meridian are selected and stimulated with either needles or a laser beam. After this, points that would be beneficial for the pain are stimulated and finally special points would prevent an inflammation are stimulated

What conditions might be treated....
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine can be used to maintain and promote balance as well as to treat a wide variety of conditions. 

These conditions include, but are not limited to: 
Hip dysplasia/ chronic arthritic conditions
Acute muscle, tendon and bone injuries (often best used in conjunction with western modalities)
Pre- and post-operative pain management
Spinal cord trauma including paresis (weakness) and paralysis
Control nausea in cancer patients to improve appetite and boost the immune system
Gastrointestinal disorders: vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and inflammatory bowel disease
Kidney disease
Urinary incontenence and retention
Respiratory disorders: upper respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis, and asthma
Seizures
Separation anxiety
Disorders of the immune system
Skin conditions
Liver disease
Heart disease
Endocrine disorders including thyroid disorders
Geriatric patient management to improve the general quality of life

Often times the best treatment is a combination of Western and Eastern approaches.  Call today to have one of our Veterinarians provide an integrated approach to your pet’s health.