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Health is much more than simply the lack of illness.
Health can be defined as balance:
- in an individual's body
- between body and mind, and
- between the individual and their environment
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What is acupuncture?
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Acupuncture has been practiced in both animals and humans 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 the Qin-mu-gong period (659 BC to 621 BC).
Veterinary treatment protocols using acupuncture are well-documented in this textbook. Since then, acupuncture has been a part of the mainstream veterinary medical system in China.
Is there any scientific evidence on how acupuncture works?
Modern research shows that acupoints are located in the areas when 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 the stimulation of the acupoints induces the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. The US National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine (www.pubped.gov) has a total of 25,764 research papers regarding acupuncture and 404 animal specific articles as of February 2017.
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What is Qi?
Qi (pronouced 'chee') is life force or vital energy. There are two contrasting forms of Qi: Yin and Yang. Yin energy tends to be cool, dark, still, and moving downward, while Yang energy is warm, light, mobile, expanding, and moving upward. Physiologically, Qi flows throughout the body all the time, maintaining a balance of Yin and Yang. When the flow of Qi is interrupted by any pathological factor (such as viral or bacterial infection), the balance of Yin and Yang will be disrupted and consequently, a disease may occur. Pain is interpreted as the blockage of Qi flow, being called stagnation. Acupuncture stimulation resolves this blockage/stagnations, freeing the flow of Qi and enabling the body to heal itself. Homeostasis is restored when Yin and Yang Qi are in balance.
What is a Channel or Meridian?
A Channel or Meridian is where Qi flows inside the body. There are 12 Regular Channels and 8 Extraordinary Channels. The most commonly used acupuncture points are located along these Channels. Each Regular Channel is related to specific paired organs. The network of Channels is called the Jing-Luo system.
​Is acupuncture safe?
YES!!! Acupuncture is a very safe medical procedure when administered by a qualified practitioner. Very few negative effects have been found in clinical cases.
What if my pet really hates needles?
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Acupuncture needles are much smaller than the needles used to give injections, and many animals tolerate them amazingly well. For those who don't, Dr. Jisha has a small laser which can be used to stimulate acupuncture points.
How long does each treatment take?
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Initial appointments usually take 60-90 minutes. Follow up appointments usually take around 60 minutes. The initial consultation appointment takes longer than follow-up appointments due to Dr. Jisha taking a thorough history and a full physical exam When the animal receives acupuncture, the needles are left in for 10 to 30 minutes.
How soon can I expect results?
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Some results can be seen immediately, but others will require several treatments. Generally a minimum of 3 to 5 treatments 1-3 weeks apart for chronic conditions are needed before one can expect notable improvement.
How many treatments are needed?
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As in all medicine, this depends on the situation, and treatments can be done daily, weekly, monthly, or even further apart depending on the severity and chronicity of the condition. In a healthy animal, it is recommended to receive acupuncture 4-5 times a year with the changes in the seasons to maintain balance and harmony within the body
Does acupuncture hurt?
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Rarely! Acupuncture is not painful because acupuncture points are stimulated using very fine needles, almost as thin as hair. Over 95% of patients are comfortable with acupuncture therapy. Due to the relaxation effect, some animals will fall asleep during acupuncture treatments. In general, sedation is not needed before an acupuncture treatment.
What physiological effects are induced by acupuncture?
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Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulation induces the following physiological effects:
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Pain relief
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Promotion of tissue healing processes
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Regulation of gastrointestinal motility
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Anti-inflammatory effects
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Immunoregulation
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Hormone and reproductive regulation
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Anti-febrile effects
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Release of stem cells
When is acupuncture recommended?
Clinical trials indicate that acupuncture therapy can be effective in the following conditions:
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Musculoskeletal problems: muscle soreness, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), laryngeal hemiplegia, and facial and radial nerve paralysis
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Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, gastric ulcers, colic, vomiting, constipation, and impactions
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Other chronic conditions: heart disease, skin problems, heaves, asthma, cough, uveitis, renal failure, chronic liver diseases, behavioral problems, infertility, Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, geriatric weakness, and anhidrosis
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Quality of life, cancer, and hospice care
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Performance enhancement and the prevention of disease
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Any time the body is under stress to promote balance, healing, and overall health
Cautions
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Acupuncture should be used with caution in the following conditions: fractures, pregnancy, opens wounds and tumors.
Does TCMV include any special foods?
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Western medicine has relatively recently recognized the positive effect that dietary changes have on many medical and behavioral conditions. However, TCVM has long recognized the inportance of food therapy in the treatment and prevention of illness. Therefore, implementation of special food or the elimination of certain food that the animal is currently being fed based on the Traditional Chinese Food Energetics classification and TCVM diagnosis.
