Veterinary Acupuncture
What is Veterinary Acupuncture?
Acupuncture evolved over 3000 years ago in China and is now broadly used in veterinary and medical practices worldwide. Veterinary acupuncture is a treatment that consist of inserting sterile, fine, stainless steel needles into definite points of the body to encourage a healing response. Inserting acupuncture needles stimulates tiny nerve endings that transmit impulses to the spinal cord and brain. This results in responses within the nervous and endocrine systems, leading to the discharge of neurotransmitters and hormones. These influence the function of the organ systems and body tissues. Veterinary acupuncture
Veterinary acupuncture increases the release of natural painkillers such as endorphins, serotonin and enkephalins which action the pain pathways in the brain and spinal cord and can block the transmission of incoming pain indicators. In the mid-brain, acupuncture effects switching and condensed inhibition of the posterior horn cells via non-opiates, the monoamines. The final level comprises the core areas of the hypothalamus, where beta-endorphin is released.
What does Veterinary Acupuncture do?
What we always look out for?
Some animals have very sensitive skin and respond to the needles nervously, some may display trembling. As a rule, animals react progressively calmly as the treatment developments. If necessary we will replace the needles with a medical laser. This works particularly well with nervous patients or those with behavioural issues.
Competition horses can be prone to developing minor injuries due to taking part in a wide range of disciplines. These injuries can sometimes go unnoticed and cause the horse to compensate by modifying its way of moving hence increasing the risk of more serious injury. Acupuncture for horses can be a huge benefit to providing treatment to any underlying issues.
How effective is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be effective to treat all forms of pain, in particular pain which disturbs the musculoskeletal system. Acupuncture can also be applied in the handling of chronic internal complaints. Please access the World Health Organisation for a list of ailments for which acupuncture can be effectively employed.
The insertion of acupuncture needles into the skin is pain free. The result of an individual needle is determined by where it is placed in the body and which nerves are stimulated. A thorough knowledge of veterinary anatomy and physiology is imperative to safely carry out acupuncture.