By Shady Oak Vet
Veterinary acupuncture is probably almost as old as acupuncture itself. A treatise on the use of acupuncture on Indian elephants, estimated to have been written 3000 years ago, has been discovered in Sri Lanka (Concon, 1979). Shun Yang (also called Pao Lo), who lived about 480 BC, was the first full-time practitioner of Chinese veterinary medicine on record. He is considered the father of the profession in China.1.
Acupuncture is derived from the Latin words acus, meaning needle, and puncture, meaning to prick. Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into predetermined points on the body to produce a physiological response. The specific points used, depth to which the needles are inserted, the type of stimulation applied to the needles (dry needle, electroacupuncture, and aquapuncture), and the duration of each treatment session vary according to the condition being treated2.
Here are Shady Oak we proudly practice traditional Chinese veterinary medicine. Dr. Barb and Dr. Chris went through extensive training at the Chi Institute to become qualified to perform acupuncture. We primarily use acupuncture to treat/manage pain (caused by musculoskeletal problems) and in patients with neurological disorders. It can also be used for gastrointestinal problems, skin problems and respiratory problems. The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments vary depending on your pet’s condition. We also use herbal medicine in conjunction and/or independently with acupuncture.
If you think your pet would benefit from acupuncture give us a call to set up a consult with Dr. Barb or Dr. Chris.
- Small Animal Acupuncture: Scientific Basis and Clinical Applications, Sheldon Altman, 149.
- Small Animal Acupuncture: Scientific Basis and Clinical Applications, Sheldon Altman, 147.