Veterinary Acupuncture: Getting to the Point

Acupuncture is the process of inserting needles at specific points in the body to create a desired healing effect. Acupuncture has been practiced for over 2000 years and is still used as a primary medical system for around a quarter of the world population.

Benefits for your Pets: Dogs, Cats, Horses

Acupuncture can be very effective for musculoskeletal problems such as joint and back pain, hip dysplasia, and hind end weakness. Acupuncture can be used in respiratory conditions, allergies, gastrointestinal and reproduction.

How does acupuncture work?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) disease is a result of an imbalance in the body that may result from factors such as trauma, environmental conditions, nutrition, emotional stress and other factors that can weaken the body. Acupuncture allows the body to heal by rebalancing the energy forces within the body.

Western medicine attributes the effects of acupuncture to stimulation of circulation and nerve fibers where the needles are inserted.

Needling techniques are usually well tolerated in most of our cooperative pets.  Treatments usually last 10-20 minutes. The number of treatments for your pet’s condition will vary depending on response. Plan on 2-3 treatments to get started. Diagnostic results from your regular veterinarian should be provided to your therapist since the more information about your pet’s health can only aid the treatment plan.

Your veterinary acupuncturist should have advanced training in acupuncture and should be certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS).

Acupuncture is not a cure all for everything but can very effective alone or in conjunction with conventional medicine.

Dr. Vikki Trupin practices conventional medicine on horses in Tennessee and Alabama. She completed her acupuncture training from IVAS and was certified in 1994.  She can be reached at Equine Veterinary Services 931 732-5112