Acupuncture can be an effective healing remedy from a properly certified veterinarian.
Acupuncture is a healing technique that stimulates key energy points on the body through the insertion of delicate needles. It has been practiced in China for more than 4,000 years on animals as well as people. Veterinarians who use acupuncture for their patients must be licensed as veterinary doctors and certified as trained in acupuncture in order to administer the treatment to pets and . The specialty may be a valuable addition to a veterinary practice.
Acupuncture's Effects
Acupuncture is used to treat a range of animal diseases and medical conditions. It restores the energy flow in the body and stimulates the immune system. Acupuncture treatments relieve stress and pain and release energy blocks that throw the body out of balance. Treatments stimulate nerves, relieve muscle spasms, increase blood circulation, and release hormones like endorphins which are natural painkillers. Certified veterinarians in the U.S. are usually members of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
Typical Treatments
Treatments can be as brief as one session for an acute problem that is easily resolved, or they may stretch over many visits for chronic conditions. In the case of long term treatment, the animal typically begins to respond within the first few visits. As symptoms lessen, more time elapses between treatments, gradually tapering off until the imbalance is controlled and infrequent maintenance sessions are needed. The vet will first examine and diagnose the patient and then prescribe a course of acupuncture. The treatment is generally not combined with medications which can mask symptoms and interfere with balancing energy. Side effects from treatment are rare.
Animals and Conditions
Exotic pets as well as dogs and cats may be treated by a veterinary acupuncturist. Conditions treated may include respiratory problems, urinary and gastrointestinal disorders, dermatological problems, musculoskeletal irregularities, and nervous conditions. Training for veterinary acupuncture includes both Western science and traditional Chinese medicine and covers typical household pets like cats and dogs, large animals like horses, zoo and farm animals, birds and exotic animals.
Certification Training
The training in a basic veterinary acupuncture course covers instruction in the acupuncture points and the principles of Chinese traditional medicine and theory, diagnostic approaches, hands-on practice administering treatments to small animals and horses, the development of treatment regimens and clinical practice. Students then take written and practical exams to qualify for certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Once certified, they may pursue advanced certifications and studies in veterinary herbology.
Tags: Acupuncture Society, International Veterinary, International Veterinary Acupuncture, large animals, veterinary acupuncture