Acupuncture is an ancient, yet progressive medicine and is fundamentally an energy-based system of healing.

Acupuncture is the placement of needles into specific points on the body (acupoints) in order to alleviate a wide range of disorders. It is now recognised that acupuncture affects all major physiological systems, primarily through the central nervous system. Acupuncture stimulates nerves, causes release of many hormones (including endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller), increases circulation, relieves muscle spasms, stimulates nerves, and stimulates the defence system. Precisely how it works depends on the condition and which points are used.

There are two approaches to acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the Western Method (WM).

TCM is a very holistic approach which aims to restore the balance between physical, emotional and spiritual factors. This is achieved by stimulating acupoints at various locations on the body to balance energy between yin and yang and move Qi along channels and throughout the body.

The WM describes the effects of acupuncture in scientific terms based on a neurophysiologic model of nerve stimulation.

Acupuncture may be used on its own or, in some cases, is most effective when combined with existing medications or following surgery. Acupuncture may also be beneficial where conventional medicines are not effective or if the animal is suffering from medication side-effects.

What conditions may respond to acupuncture?

• Musculoskeletal pain: Osteoarthritis, back pain, hip / elbow dysplasia, muscle and ligament sprains / strains / spasms, myofascial pain, geriatric weakness
• Gastrointestinal disorders: inflammatory bowel disease, chronic constipation, vomiting and diarrhoea, oral inflammation / pain
• Respiratory diseases: asthma, chronic respiratory infection
• Skin disorders: Lick granuloma, non-healing wounds
• Other chronic disorders: immune, heart, liver, urinary, reproductive
• Geriatric problems

Are there any side-effects?

Acupuncture is regarded as a very safe therapy with none of the side-effects associated with medications. Rarely, some animals may appear initially worse following treatment but subsequently improve over a couple of days.

If you are interested in booking an appointment for your cat, dog or horse, or you would like more information please contact Emma  by clicking here.

PLEASE NOTE: Under UK law, veterinary acupuncture may only be performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon, with a thorough knowledge of veterinary anatomy and physiology.