Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine Colrain Balch, DVM- Pleasant Lake Veterinary Hospital, Elkins, NH
What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture has been an essential part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and has had a growing following in the West in recent decades. The use of acupuncture in veterinary medicine has been on the rise since the late 20th century and has been used in both large and small animals, as well as in all life stages.
It is the practice of stimulating specific acupoints along the body to correct imbalances in an individual's energy flow, or “qi”. The flow of energy through the body is organized into channels called meridians. It is along these meridians that the acupoints are located. A blockage of qi flow causes pain and can lead to organ dysfunction. The goal of acupuncture is to promote the body to heal itself by correcting the body's energy imbalances. This is achieved by increasing blood circulation and stimulating the nervous system which then in turn facilitates the release of anti-inflammatory and pain relief signals within the body.
What are its applications for my pet? There are numerous applications for acupuncture. Most commonly in veterinary medicine, these include but are not limited to: arthritis, degenerative joint disease, traumatic injury, pain and symptoms related to cancer, kidney failure, liver failure and metabolic disorders such as thyroid, adrenal disease and diabetes.
Who performs the acupuncture? In the United States, to be a certified veterinary acupuncturist, one must first be a licensed veterinarian and then pursue a certification through an accredited school of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine. In this country, there are two school which provide this education: the Chi Institute and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. During the sessions, a veterinary technician may be present to assist, but the procedures should be done under the supervision of a certified veterinary acupuncturist.
How is acupuncture performed? There are several different methods to stimulate these acupoints. Very thin, disposable needles are commonly used and are then can be stimulated further by the use of heat or pressure. They are placed in the skin at the acupoints. A low electrical current may be applied to the needles to stimulate the pressure points. This is a minimally invasive practice that most animals tolerate very well. On your first visit, an exam will be performed following traditional Chinese veterinary medicine theory. A plan will then be developed so that treatment may begin. You can expect for the first session to last 45 minutes Continued Next Page
40 4 Legs & a Tail
Spring 2018