Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acupuncture?
- Acupuncture is an age-old healing practice of traditional Chinese medicine in which needles are placed in specific points in the body.
- It is a potential alternative to pain medications.
- It is considered a "complementary" medicine that can be used along with other veterinary treatments.
Why In-Home?
- Your pet is much more comfortable and relaxed in their own home
- No stressful car ride or veterinary office visit.
How does it work?
- Research has shown that the points used in acupuncture are "biologically" active, meaning there are more blood vessels, nerve endings and immune cells in these areas.
- Local irritation by the needles cause increased blood flow and immune response, bringing healing and muscle relaxation to the area.
- Endorphins, or "feel good" hormones, are also released, allowing painful dogs to relax and rest.
Does it work?
- A recent study was done with 65 arthritic dogs who were no longer responding to conventional pain medicines. The only options left for these dogs were continued pain or euthanasia. After a course of acupuncture treatments, 70% of the dogs had improvement or greater than 50% increase in comfort and mobility.
Does it hurt?
- The sterile needles used for acupuncture are tiny, a fraction of the size of a normal hypodermic needle. Over 95% of patients are comfortable with acupuncture, including most of those whose owners do not initially believe they will tolerate it, as it is not generally painful. Many pets fall asleep during treatment!
