Acupuncture
What is Veterinary Acupuncture and How Can It Benefit Animals?
Veterinary acupuncture is a therapeutic technique derived from traditional Chinese medicine, adapted specifically for animals. This practice involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on an animal’s body to stimulate healing processes. The needles are typically placed along meridians, or circulatory pathways, which are believed to influence various bodily systems, such as the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. By triggering these points, acupuncture can help release natural pain-relieving chemicals, reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and promote relaxation, aiding in the body’s healing process.
Veterinary acupuncture can benefit animals dealing with a range of conditions. It is commonly used to manage; chronic pain, particularly in pets suffering from arthritis, joint pain, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Beyond pain relief, it may improve mobility, support digestion, and boost recovery following surgery or injury.
In addition to physical benefits, acupuncture can reduce stress and anxiety, making it beneficial for animals with behavioural challenges.
This minimally invasive approach is often used alongside conventional treatments, enhancing the overall quality of life for pets.
While research into veterinary acupuncture continues, many veterinarians and pet owners report positive outcomes, making it a valuable tool in holistic animal care.
What to Expect from some animals when you bring your pet for an acupuncture session.
You can expect the appointment to last about half an hour. During this time, the veterinarian will conduct a thorough assessment and provide treatment tailored to your pet’s specific needs. Your pet will lie on a comfortable bed, allowing them to relax as fine, sterile needles are placed on various acupuncture points relevant to their health condition. These points may be on the back, neck, head, or limbs, depending on where your pet is comfortable being handled. Ideally, the needles are retained for about 15 minutes before being gently removed. Most animals settle quickly into the treatment, spending the time resting or even dozing as they begin to relax.
Occasionally, some animals may need a few sessions to fully adjust to the procedure; in such cases, fewer needles may be used initially, and they may be retained for a shorter period. Every animal is unique, and treatments are always adjusted to suit the individual’s comfort and specific needs, ensuring a gentle, beneficial experience.
Who will you be seeing for your pets’ acupuncture?
Samantha has recently joined us here at the Arc and is a highly qualified professional with an extensive background in both veterinary medicine and complementary therapies.
Alongside her veterinary credentials, she holds a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy, post graduate training in western Dry Needling for myofascial pain, and a professional licentiate in acupuncture, which she earned through three years of full-time study at the International College of Oriental Medicine.
Her diverse expertise allows her to offer tailored, holistic treatments that address a wide range of health needs for our patients.
