Veterinary Acupuncture
For more information please visit the website of The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society
www.ivas.org
What is acupuncture?
For which conditions is acupuncture indicated?
For large animals, acupuncture is again commonly used for functional problems. Some of the general conditions where it might be applied are the following. -Musculoskeletal problems, such as sore backs or downer cow syndrome -Nervous system problems, such as facial nerve paralysis -Skin problems, such as allergic dermatitis -Respiratory problems, such as heaves and “Bleeders” -Gastrointestinal problems, such as non-surgical colic -Selected reproductive disorders
In addition regular acupuncture treatment can treat minor sports injuries as they occur and help to keep muscles and tendons resistant to injury. World-class professional and amateur athletes often use acupuncture as a routine part of their training. If your animals are involved in any athletic endeavor, such as racing, jumping of showing, acupuncture can help keep them in top physical condition.
How does acupuncture work?
In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by affection certain physiological changes. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body’s pain control chemicals) and cortisol (a natural steroid). Although many of acupuncture’s physiological effects have been studied, many more are still unknown. Further research must be to discover all of acupuncture’s effects and it’s proper uses in veterinary medicine.
Is acupuncture painful?
Is acupuncture safe for animals?
How long do acupuncture treatments last and how often are they given?
How should I choose an acupuncturist for my animals?
- Your veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed veterinarian.
- Your veterinary acupuncturist should have formal training in the practice of
acupuncture for animals. (For example, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society is the only accredited certification program for veterinary acupuncturists.)
In most countries, states, and provinces, veterinary acupuncture is considered a surgical procedure that only licensed veterinarians may legally administer to animals. A veterinarian is the best position to diagnose an animal’s health problem and then to determine whether an animal is likely to benefit from an acupuncture treatment, or whether it’s problem requires chemical, surgical, or no intervention.
In the USA, the American Veterinary Medical Association considers veterinary acupuncture a valid modality within the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery, but extensive educational programs should be undertaken before a veterinarian is considered competent to practice acupuncture. Ask your veterinarian about their training. The more your veterinarian knows about the traditional Chinese philosophies and Western scientific bases for acupuncture, the more sure you can be that your animals will be treated properly.