Veterinary Acupuncture: What Is It And How Does It Work?
The ‘ Veterinary Acupuncture is gaining more and more followers in the Western world due to its benefits. This therapy, of traditional Chinese medicine, guarantees preventive, curative and palliative applications for both physical and psychological pathologies. Today we will talk about veterinary acupuncture.
Therapeutic acupuncture: characteristics and beneficial effects
Acupuncture is currently the most popular specialty of traditional Chinese medicine. Among his contributions, we find applications such as phytotherapy, massages and diet therapy. Think that the first reports of interventions of this type, on human beings, date back to over 5,000 years ago.
Obviously, in order to put these ancient techniques into practice, a lot of specific skills and knowledge are required. Only in this way is it possible to generate certain physiological effects, beneficial for the body. Therefore, acupuncture is considered a specialty and requires proper professional training in order to be practiced.
Among the various benefits of acupuncture for body improvement, we find:
- Endorphin secretion.
- Relief of chronic pain.
- Stimulation of the immune system.
- Blood pressure regulation.
- Balance between hormone production and metabolism.
- Feeling of well-being.
- Delay of the degenerative process of the bones and joints.
- Overcoming of vices and chemical addictions.
How does veterinary acupuncture work?
In recent decades, the application of acupuncture to domestic and wild animals has gained popularity in Italy and Europe. Several studies have been carried out in this sense, discovering that even dogs, cats and more could benefit from the advantages of this alternative medicine.
Veterinary acupuncture uses the same principles as the “human” one. It basically consists in the stimulation of certain points of the body, through the use of small needles of about two millimeters in diameter.
Specialists have identified more than 100 strategic points for needle stimulation. Its identification allows you to connect the nerve fibers and nerve bundles of the body, providing topical or general physiological reactions.
The application of the needles is painless and safe, but can generate a slight tingling sensation and warmth. Mood and well-being are essential for positive acupuncture results. Therefore, the animal should be prepared to perform therapy sessions in an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility.
Furthermore, it is essential to consult a veterinarian before opting for any treatment for your pet. His diagnosis and specialized opinion will be instrumental in guiding the practice of veterinary acupuncture.
What is veterinary acupuncture used for?
Veterinary acupuncture is generally recommended to relieve symptoms, acute and chronic pain caused by physical and psychological ailments. In this way it is indicated as an alternative curative and / or palliative therapy.
You should know that the patient does not need to be sick to enjoy the benefits of this technique. Stimulating the nervous, immune, respiratory and hormonal systems is an excellent way to prevent many diseases and improve the quality of life.
Currently, acupuncture is widely used for the treatment of animals suffering from the following pathologies:
- Neurological : epilepsy, degenerative diseases of the spinal cord, paralysis.
- Muscular and / or skeletal : herniated discs, dysplasia, arthritis, arthrosis and lameness.
- Hormonal or endocrine : diabetes, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s disease, etc.
- Food : overweight, obesity and associated diseases such as eating disorders, hypertension, etc.
- Cardiac : heart failure and arrhythmia.
- Respiratory : asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, pneumonia.
- Gastrointestinal : constipation, inflammation, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Renal and urinary : kidney failure and stones, urinary incontinence, urological syndrome, etc.
- Autoimmune diseases: immunodeficiency and associated diseases.
- Allergic : itching and dermatological inflammations.
- Behavioral disorders : anxiety, depression, phobias, aggression, etc.
- Rehabilitation: post-operative, surgical, trauma and accident treatments.
The benefits of veterinary acupuncture for animals with terminal illnesses are also notable . Its effects allow to significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life during the degenerative process.
Is Veterinary Acupuncture Really Effective?
Its real effects have been studied and verified. But it is important to be aware of the scope and goals of veterinary acupuncture.
It would not be responsible to speak of acupuncture or any alternative therapy as a promise of certain cure. Its greatest value lies in the prevention and improvement of the harmful or painful consequences of chronic, degenerative and terminal diseases.
Like any stimulation proposal, its action is not usually as immediate as that of an analgesic or other type of drug. Acupuncture, to have a healing effect, is usually combined with other allopathic, homeopathic or phytotherapeutic treatments.
Veterinary acupuncture is also usually very effective against behavioral and conduct disorders. But it is vital to understand that neither this nor drugs replace proper education and early socialization.
It is important to start thinking about veterinary acupuncture as a complement to preventative pet medicine. And, therefore, not just as an alternative therapy for chronic pain.
