Acupuncture

Acupuncture is when we insert needles into points that work like light switches on a wall: trigger the switch, the light goes on, and as a result the whole room changes. When you trigger an acupuncture point the physiology of the body changes. There are 365 commonly used points- all with different benefits. Some points can control nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some stimulate the immune system and help pets with infections or cancer. There are points that control pain, calm the nerves, control seizures, and regulate the internal organs and endocrine system. By choosing the right points, in the right order, we provide the most therapeutic benefit.

Dr. Coleman or Dr. Kristin will evaluate your pet’s specific needs and concerns, and their level of relaxation during treatments. They then will be able to determine the most effective type of acupuncture for your pet.

• Acupuncture Needles– using silicon-coated needles, we work with the less sensitive points first and allow you or an assistant to soothe your pet while we work. When the needles are in place, we turn the lights down and let you sleep. If your pet experiences discomfort with traditional acupuncture or doesn’t leave the needles in place, we can inject points with homeopathic solutions or switch to photon therapy. Sometimes, the doctor may recommend electro-acupuncture. Electroacupuncture is an additional treatment we perform during acupuncture that delivers painless electrical pulses.
• Aquapuncture– we inject the points with a homeopathic solution. Acupuncture points can be just like elevators- although we press the button, some elevators never seem to get to the floor because energy is being drained off at another level. In this case, injecting points with homeopathic solutions is like leaving our fingers on the button-we continually remind the elevator what level it needs to rise to. If we sense resistance in a point or have a chronic condition, we may use injections along with, or instead of, simple needling.

Medical problems are like rust on a car: the longer it has been there, the longer it takes to fix. Chronic problems can also cause structural damage beneath the rust, so we may need to address what we see on the surface and what is deep underneath. Surface problems may be treated in 1-3 visits, especially if you provide supportive therapy at home. Chronic problems, such as arthritis or heart disease, may require 3 visits within 2 weeks, then weekly visits, than monthly visits. Treatment frequency is based, in part, on how you feel the pet is doing, and we work together to design a customized schedule.

Well, it depends on what your pets are receiving acupuncture for. Just like with certain medications, different pets respond uniquely to treatment. Acupuncture works in most, but not all, cases.

If your pet is being treated for limb stiffness, acupuncture will help limb function return and you’ll see your pet moving comfortably.

If we perform acupuncture on your senior pet, we expect to see increased vigor, more restful sleep, and a better appetite.