Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture ?

Medical Acupuncture is a therapeutic method that usually involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles.  Modern medical practitioners

developed medical acupuncture as an adaptation of Chinese acupuncture.  Instead of relying on inexact metaphors to describe the body’s responses to treatment, we employ current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology, all in keeping with evidence-based medicine.  During your consultation, Dr. Parsons will perform a physical examination called "myofascial palpitation" which allows her to determine the location and sources of your pet's discomfort and dysfunction.

What Can Medical Acupuncture Do For My Pet?

Treatment of acupuncture and its related techniques of laser therapy and certain forms of massage help by promoting health and well-being, by preventing illness and by addressing a variety of medical conditions and pain problems.  

What Are Some Specific Benefits?  

Research on acupuncture is continually building and strengthening the scientific and evidence-informed basis of medical acupuncture.  In addition to its well-known effects on acute and chronic pain, medical acupuncture addresses a wide range of medical issues, including: 

• Digestive ailments, including inflammation and motility problems
• Respiratory issues, such as sinusitis and recurrent infections
• Neurologic problems such as peripheral neuropathy, sciatica, spinal cord injury, disc disease and nerve-based pain problems. 
• Musculoskeletal complaints, including knee pain, osteoarthritis, tendinitis, back pain, neck pain and much more.  

How Does Acupuncture Work?                                                                           

The main therapeutic effects of needling began with activation of nerve fibers near a point. These stimuli then bring about changes that 

help to balance nerve signaling and neurotransmitter activity from the “periphery” (i.e, the acupuncture point) to the central nervous

system (the brain and spinal cord) and autonomic nervous system centers (that governs processes like glandular activity, immune status, digestion, mood and more). Acupuncture also releases tension from the muscles and enveloping fibrous network called “fascia”.                                                                         

The number of treatments needed differs from patient to patient. For difficult or long-standing conditions, your pet may need one or two treatments weekly for several weeks.  Usually, one sees a change in the patient within the first few treatments if the acupuncture is going to make a meaningful difference to your pet. 

What Side Effects Might There Be?                                                       

Uncommonly, and acupuncture patient could experience a temporary worsening of the condition.  Usually, however, most side effects are    mild and even pleasant – a sense of relaxation, an improvement in sleep, or improvement in digestive tract transit.