Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin solid needles into the skin and muscle. Its origins date back nearly 4000 years. Acupuncture points are generally found along channels through which Qi (energy) flows.
In Chinese Medicine, disease is defined as an imbalance within the body. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, acupuncture works by correcting these imbalances, and by restoring the flow of Qi and/or Blood.
From a Western Medicine perspective, acupuncture is seen as working by activating the body’s own pain reduction mechanisms, changing blood flow, and restoring balance through stimulation of neural pathways.
Acupuncture is most commonly used for joint and muscle abnormalities, but it is also useful in treating a variety of other ailments, including asthma, allergies, skin conditions, behavioral problems, immune system abnormalities, and problems with internal organs. Initial treatments are usually within several days of each other, with the time between each treatment increasing as the pet responds. The treatment regimen is individually tailored to each patient.
Almost all pets, including cats, are very amenable to treatment with acupuncture. The needles are very fine gauge, and most pets do not even react as the needle is inserted.
