Veterinary Acupuncture Revealed
In theory, any disease process can benefit from acupuncture. The majority of clients that seek acupuncture for their pets in the country suffer from osteoarthritis and/or degenerative joint disease, including hip dysplasia. Animals with intervertebral disc disease, neck or back pain also are popular candidates.

March 09th 2016 - by Dr. Diane Gabriel VMD,CVA

What is veterinary acupuncture? It is a natural healing aid! Acupuncture began in China about three thousand years ago. Eastern philosophy believes an imbalance of Yin and Yang (two opposing but complimentary energies) in the body creates disease. When Yin and Yang are balance there is health.

Acupuncture aids in the balance of Yin and Yang. It involves the stimulation of special points on the body using very fine needles, light emitting devices, etc., to elicit a desired effect. These special points, or " acupoints", lie along channels or meridians that span the entire body. There are twelve main meridians and over one hundred acupuncture points that lie along them. Each meridian is named for an organ it represents. Tenderness along a meridian or within an acupuncture point can represent a potential local or systematic disease process. A typical treatment session may involve as few as one to as many as twenty acupuncture points. The points may be stimulated anywhere from ten to thirty minutes, depending on the treatment plan. Since you are waking up the body's own healing center, it can take three to six treatment sessions before the initial desired effect may be seen. However, many times patients receive benefits after the initial visit!

By conventional or Western standards acupuncture evokes the body's immune system to release compounds that facilitate healing and aid in pain relief. Many acupuncture points lie near networks of nerves, vessels, etc., so when the point(s) are stimulated a cascade of natural healing elements, in the form of anti-inflammatory and anti-pain compounds are set into play.

In theory, any disease process can benefit from acupuncture. The majority of clients that seek acupuncture for their pets in the country suffer from osteoarthritis and/or degenerative joint disease, including hip dysplasia. Animals with intervertebral disc disease, neck or back pain also are popular candidates. Chronic kidney, bowel and skin disease are also conditions that benefit from acupuncture. Acupuncture aids in the treatment of acute injuries, sprains, etc., because it decreases muscle spasm and facilitates pain relief while releasing healing compounds as discussed above. Acupuncture aids in post-surgical healing as well because it promotes comfort by increasing circulation and analgesia. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories relieve pain and decrease swelling, but also block the healing effects of some prostaglandins. Acupuncture on the other hand, decreases pain and inflammation without blocking the production of natural healing substances. Since acupuncture decreases inflammation, agility dogs may run and jump more effectively in trials. Similarly, show dogs may move more easily and smoothly in the show ring.

As you can see there are many benefits to veterinary acupuncture. You may want to consider this ancient but effective treatment to promote your pets' health, comfort and well-being.

Remember, only veterinarians with proper training, and ideally certification, from a nationally recognized school are qualified to perform acupuncture on your pet. This ensures a safe, effective treatment for your furry friend.

Diane Gabriel VMD,CVA is a Veterinarian who provides holistic and integrative health care. She offers a multimodal approach to your pet's care, whether it be preventative, maintenance or enhancing the quality of life of geriatric and/or sick individuals. Her repertoire includes Acupuncture, Homeopathy/Homotoxicology, Chinese and Western herbs, Nutraceuticals and Vitamins.

Dr. Gabriel offers consultation services by appointment at several facilities in Pennsylvania. House calls are available on a limited basis depending on your location. For more information or to schedule an appointment, see the website, call 610.955.6076 or send an email.



Contact Member:
Dr. Diane Gabriel VMD,CVA Holistic Pet Healer

Kintnersville, PA 18930
United States
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