Veterinary Acupuncture by Dr. Tracy Lord, D.V.M. For thousands of years acupuncture has been used to rebalance the total energy system of animals' bodies to facilitate healing and health. According to the Chinese, when an animal is healthy, there is a circulation of energy, life force, or "Chi" along well defined channels on the skin called Meridians. The meridians are connected with internal organs, muscular and joint structures, and the nervous system. Acupuncture points, which lie on the meridians, are areas of the skin at which the flow of Chi can be influenced. From a western viewpoint, specific acupuncture point stimulation has been shown to: increase oxygenation; increase blood supply to areas treated; aid production of endogenous cortisone and other anti-inflammatory substances; release internally produced pain- killers such as endorphins; and increase immunity by increasing white blood cell and antibody production. Acupuncture can also influence the nervous system in such a way that it inhibits pain, increases cardiac output, stimulates bone healing, and suppresses cough. It can affect joints, muscles and even internal organs to improve their function. From an eastern viewpoint, acupuncture works by influencing the flow of Chi throughout the body. The normal healthy flow of Chi may be disrupted by any number of things, such as: chronic injury; sudden trauma; environmental extremes; poor nutrition; inadequate or excessive exercise; insufficient rest; or genetic weaknesses. In disease states there is an imbalance of, or interference with, the flow of energy. The acupuncturist can manipulate the energy flows by stimulating the acupuncture points, thus influencing the disorder. The acupuncture diagnosis and treatment requires a knowledge of: Chinese medical philosophy and disease principals; Chinese meridian pathways; acupuncture points; and the various methods which can be used to stimulate these acupuncture points and meridians. Acupuncture can be the treatment of choice or, perhaps, the sole treatment for some conditions. It may also be combined with more conventional western treatment modalities to enhance the body's response to treatment. While acupuncture works harmoniously with most other forms of treatment, certain drugs can alter the effects of acupuncture. Because of this, it is important that you let the acupuncturist know what drugs the animal is taking when brought in for a treatment. Some of the many conditions which may benefit from acupuncture treatment include: Musculoskeletal Disorder This is perhaps the most common application in the western world. Acupuncture can help control pain and increase mobility in patients with chronic degenerative joint disease (arthritic type change), intervertebral disc disease, spondylosis, hip dysplasia, tendinitis, muscle sprains, etc. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions such as esophageal hypomotility, gastritis, colitis, megacolon, rectal prolapsed, chronic diarrhea or vomiting can be eased tremendously. Respiratory Disorders: Rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, nose bleeds, bronchial asthma, chronic coughing, pneumonia and others respond well to acupuncture treatments. Neurological/Psychological Disorders: Anxiety, behavior disorders, nerve paralysis, vestibular syndrome, non-degenerative myelopathies, epilepsy, stroke, deafness, and coma can be successfully treated. Reproductive/Metabolic/Endocrine Disorders: Acupuncture can be used alone or in conjunction with western treatments to help with most of this wide category of illnesses. Immunosuppressive/Allergic Disorders: One of the mainstays of acupuncture is its ability to stimulate the body's immune system to help control disease, prolong life and ease suffering. Urinary Disorders: Frustrating conditions such as incontinence, recurrent cystitis, FUS, and urine retention can benefit from acupuncture. These are just some of the conditions that are known to respond to acupuncture in animals. Of course there are still many conditions that should be treated with western drugs and/or surgery. My goal is to use acupuncture judiciously with western modalities to improve your pet's quality of life.   Return to Support Corner