Veterinary Acupuncture
& Healing Arts™, PLLC
1. Q: What is Acupuncture and how does it work?
A: Acupuncture, one of the healing methods first used by the ancient Chinese over 4000 years ago is a component of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). Acupuncture ("acus" means needle and "pungare" means to pierce) is the insertion of needles into specific points on the body, which in turn produce certain effects. Each point is called an Acupuncture point (Shu Xue, pronounced "shoo shway", meaning communication outlet) and is located on a specific channel or meridian of the body. These meridians, which are also connected to the major internal organs, are located in the superficial and deep parts of the body and together form a vast network for Qi to move through the body. Qi (pronounced as "chee") can be most closely described as the Vital Energy of the body. Qi is gathered and distributed at the Acupuncture points. When the flow of Qi is disrupted or becomes unbalanced, disease can occur.
It has been discovered that there is a decreased electrical resistance and increased electrical conductivity at Acupuncture points. Moreover, there is a high density of free nerve endings, arterioles, lymphatic vessels and mast cells (a type of white blood cell) found at Acupuncture points. Thus, Acupuncture points have special qualities and are not just mere random areas on the body.
When the Acupuncture point is stimulated, there is a release of endorphins (the body's natural narcotics), cortisol (the body's natural steroid), histamine and other neurotransmitters and hormones. These chemicals help decrease pain and muscle spasms, increase blood flow, stimulate nerves, and often promote a sense of calmness.
2. Q: Is Acupuncture painful?
A: Acupuncture is usually performed with very thin, sterile, stainless steel needles. The patient only feels the needle as it quickly passes through the skin. Once the needle is passed through the skin, the patient does not feel the needle per se. What the patient does feel is often a tingling, numbness or warm feeling. Most patients relax once the needles are in place and some will often fall asleep.
Dr. Donato has used Acupuncture treatments to treat practically any ailment. She has also successfully treated patients for behavioral problems, and treats many cancer patients. Acupuncture helps these patients by modulating their immune system, providing pain relief, when needed, reducing side effects like decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhea caused by the cancer itself or by necessary treatment methods. Cancer patients who receive Acupuncture treatment generally have a better quality of life and often can live longer than they would have without the treatments. The information provided in this FAQ was partly compiled from lectures by Dr. Huisheng Xie and Dr. Roger Clemmons (both from The Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine), Dr. Allen Schoen, The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
3. Q: Is Acupuncture safe?
A: Yes, Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies available to our animal friends when performed by a properly trained veterinarian. Serious side effects are rare.
4. Q: What conditions respond to Acupuncture?
A: Acupuncture is known to have a therapeutic effect for a wide variety of conditions. Acupuncture can be used for:
5. Q: How often are treatment sessions and how long do they last?
A: Each patient is an individual, and therefore, the treatment protocol is tailored to the patient's needs. Certain Acupuncture points may only need 10 seconds of stimulation, whereas others may need up to 30 minutes or more. On the average, the needles are kept in 15 to 20 minutes. In general, acute conditions need fewer treatments than chronic conditions. Most patients are treated weekly for about five treatments in order to see a positive effect. Some patients will show a positive response after the first treatment while others may need five full treatments (neurological and dermatological conditions respond slower and often need eight treatments) before showing any response. If the patient ultimately does not show a positive response, then other therapies such as herbal medicine may be needed. If the patient responds but is not fully healed, then the treatment sessions are continued but at less frequent intervals. Many patients with chronic conditions can be tapered off to a few treatments per year.
6. Q: Can healthy patients be treated and can Acupuncture be used for preventative care?
A: Since Acupuncture works on an energetic level, it can be used to detect and treat patients before they physically become ill. In other words, it can help the body rebalance itself if it is out of energetic alignment. By doing this, the acupuncturist can improve the state of wellness in the body, which in turn allows the patient to feel even better and perform better.
7. Q: Can Acupuncture be combined with conventional veterinary medicine?
A: Yes, Acupuncture provides another mode of treatment that can be used solely or in combination with Herbal Medicine (Chinese, Western, etc.), Tui Na, chiropractic and/or conventional veterinary medicine. This can include conventional medical therapies, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and physical therapy. Often with integrative therapy, the patient can improve and heal quicker than they would have with one therapy alone. Even if Acupuncture is used as a sole therapy, it will usually improve the overall condition of the patient and improve his or her quality of life.
