WHAT IS
ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) a system of healthcare developed over 3500 years. Within TCM, acupuncture is used to restore balance in the body by stimulating specific points along channels in the body known as 'meridians', helping to regulate the flow of energy or "Qi".
In more recent decades, acupuncture has been adapted in to Western medical practice. Western acupuncture focuses on the stimulation of nerves, muscles and connective tissue, and is understood to work through well established physiological mechanisms.
Today, acupuncture is widely used as part of an integrated approach to pain management, combining traditional principles with modern scientific understanding to support mobility, and overall wellbeing.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting a very fine needle through the skin at specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and promote the natural healing process.
What it does:
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It can help to reduce pain
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Improves circulation
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Relaxes muscles
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Stimulates release of the the body's own anti-inflammatories
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Stimulates the release of pain relieving endorphins
In the face of chronic pain, acupuncture can help "reset" the nervous system that can become overly sensitised over time. By calming nerve activity and promoting natural healing, acupuncture helps break the cycle of persistent pain and restore comfort and function.
THE GOAL?
The goal of acupuncture is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your pets' overall quality of life. while some pets may show improvement in just one or two sessions, most will benefit from a course of treatments. It is common to have a treatment every 1-2 weeks to get the maximum out of treatment. Most pets then manage with a treatment every 6-8 weeks to maintain their comfort.
As effectove as it can be, acupuncture is rarely a standalone solution; rather, it works best as part of a multi-modal pain management plan tailored to your pet's specific needs. Alongside their acupuncture treatment, a medication plan, supplements, diet and exercise plan will need to be considered.