What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture may be defined as the stimulation of a specific point on the body with a specific method, resulting in a therapeutic homeostatic effect. The specific point on the body is called “Shu-xu” or acupuncture point (acupoint). The ancient Chinese people discovered 361 acupoints in human beings and 173 acupoints in animals. Modern research shows that acupoints are located in the areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels. Most acupoints are motor points. A great number of studies indicate that
stimulation of acupoints induce the release of beta-endorphin, serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Therefore, acupuncture for pain relief is well supported by these scientific studies. As more studies are conducted, the mechanism of this ancient therapy will be better understood.

Vital Energy of Qi
The ancient Chinese discovered that the health of the body depends on the state of Qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi is the life force or vital energy. There are two opposite forms of Qi: Yin and Yang. Physiologically, Qi flows throughout the body 24 hours per day, maintaining balance of Yin and Yang. When the flow of Qi is interrupted by any pathological factor (such as virus or bacteria), the balance of Yin and Yang will be lost and consequently a disease may occur.
Pain is interpreted as the blockage of Qi flow (or no free flow of Qi). Acupuncture stimulation resolves this blockage, freeing the flow of Qi and enabling the body to heal itself. Homeostasis is restored when Yin and Yang Qi are in balance.


What’s the History of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been practiced in both animals and human beings for thousands of years in China. The earliest veterinary acupuncture book “Bo Le Zhen Jing” (Bole’s Canon of Veterinary Acupuncture) is believed to have been written by Dr. Bo Le in Qin-mu-gong period (659 B.C. to 621 B.C.). Veterinary treatment protocols using acupuncture were well documented in this textbook. Since then, acupuncture was and is still a part of the mainstream veterinary medical system in China.

What are the Acupuncture methods and goals?
Acupoints may be stimulated in a variety of ways. These techniques include dry needling, moxibustion, aqu-acupuncture and electro-stimulation. Whatever the tools are used, the goal is always the same: to restore the flow of Qi and allow homeostasis to return.

How safe is acupuncture therapy?
Acupuncture is a very safe medical procedure when administered by a qualified practitioner. Very few side effects have been found in clinical cases.

How long does each treatment last?
Each session may take 20 to 60 minutes.

How many treatments are needed?
It depends upon the nature, severity and duration of diseases. A single treatment may be enough for an acute condition. A series of 3 to 10 treatments can resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may need monthly treatments over time.

Does acupuncture hurt?
A proper acupuncture therapy may induce distention, and a heaviness sensation along with contraction of local muscle. Over 95% of patients are comfortable with acupuncture therapy. Some animals will fall asleep during acupuncture treatment. Sedation is not recommended before acupuncture treatment as it may interfere with the acupuncture effect.

How much does a veterinary acupuncture treatment cost?
It depends on location, practitioner, species and disease. A typical range of fees for a single session of acupuncture will vary from $40-$200.

Who is qualified to perform veterinary acupuncture?
Only licensed veterinarians are eligible to practice acupuncture in most states in the USA. A certified acupuncture training course is highly recommended before performing veterinary acupuncture.

What physiological effects are induced by Acupuncture?
Numerous studies show that acupuncture stimulation induces these physiological effects:

  • Pain Relief
  • Regulations of gastrointestinal mobility
  • Anti-inflammatory effect
  • Immuno-regulation
  • Hormone and reproductive regulation
  • Anti-febrile effect; microcirculation promotion

When is Acupuncture Indicated?
Clinical trials indicate that the acupuncture therapy can be effective in the following conditions:

  • Musculoskeletal problems: muscle soreness, back pain, disc problems, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint disease.
  • Neurological disorders: seizure, laryngeal hemiplegia, facial and radial nerve paralysis.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders:
  • diarrhea, gastric ulcers, colic, vomiting, constipation and impaction.
  • Other chronic conditions: anhidrosis, heaves, asthma, cough, uveitis, behavioral problems, cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, infertility, hyperthyroidism, renal failure, geriatric weakness, skin problems, etc.
  • Performance enhancement and prevention of disease.

Cautions and Contraindications
When acupuncture is performed, the following conditions are cautioned or contraindicated:

  • Fracture
  • Pregnancy
  • Open Wound
  • Infectious Diseases

Why is Acupuncture frequently combined with herbs?
Sometimes the application of Chinese Herbal Medicine is chosen by knowledgeable veterinarian as a support for the acupuncture, or on occasion, in lieu of it. Herbs are frequently used in situations that have not responded to traditional western veterinary medical practices.

What about chiropractic and massage?
The veterinarian may also choose to use Tui-na, which is an ancient Chinese method of chiropractic/medical manipulation that enhances the other
methods, and can be taught to the animal owner to be done at home. This helps move energy past blocked points, and eases muscle tension, thereby offering comfort and an energy lift to the patient.

Does TCVM include any special foods?
Yes, TCVM practitioners may recommend foods to use or to eliminate, based on Traditional Chinese Food Energetics and TCVM diagnosis.