Frequently Asked Questions
About Veterinary Acupuncture
QUESTIONS
What is acupuncture?
What is vital energy or Qi?
What is the history of
acupuncture?
What are
acupuncture methods and goals?
How safe is acupuncture
therapy?
How long does each
treatment last?
How many treatments are
needed?
Does acupuncture hurt?
Who
is qualified to perform veterinary acupuncture?
What physiological effects are induced by acupuncture?
When is acupuncture
indicated?
Cautions and
contraindications
What about
chiropractic and massage?
Does Dr. Galligan
make house calls?
What is
the cost of acupuncture?
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture may be defined as the stimulation of a specific point on
the body with a specific method, resulting in a therapeutic
homeostatic effect. The specific point on the body is called "Shu-xu"
or acupuncture point (acupoint). The ancient Chinese people
discovered 361 acupoints in human beings and 173 acupoints in
animals.
Modern research
shows that acupoints are located in the areas where there is a high
density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and
lymphatic vessels. Most acupoints are motor points. A
great number of studies indicate that stimulation of acupoints
induce release of beta-endorphin, serotonin and other
neurotransmitters. There, acupuncture for pain relief is well
supported by these scientific studies. As more studies are
conducted, the mechanism of this ancient therapy will be better
understood.
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What is vital energy or Qi?
The ancient Chinese discovered that the health of the body depends
on
the state if Qi (pronounced chee). Qi is the
life force or vital energy. There are two opposite forms of
Qi - Yin and Yang. Physiologically, Qi
flows throughout the body 24 hours per day, maintaining a balance of
Yin and Yang. When the flow of Qi is interrupted by any
pathological factor (such as virus or bacteria), the balance of Yin
and Yang will be lost and consequently a disease may occur.
Pain is
interpreted as the blockage of Qi flow (or no free flow of
Qi). Acupuncture stimulation resolves this blockage,
freeing the flow of QI and enabling the body to heal itself.
Homeostasis is restored when Yin and Yang (Qi) are in
balance.
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What is the history of
acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been practiced in
both animals and human beings for thousands of years in China.
The earliest veterinary acupuncture book "Bo Le Zhen Jing"
(Bole's Canon of Veterinary Acupuncture) is believed to have
been written by Dr. Bo Le in Qin-mu-gong period (659 B.C. to
621 B.C.). Veterinary treatment protocols using acupuncture
were well documented in this textbook. Since then, acupuncture
was and is still a part of the mainstream veterinary medical system
in China.
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What are
acupuncture methods and goals?
Acupoints may be
stimulated in a variety of ways. These techniques include dry
needling, moxibustion, aqu-acupuncture and electro-stimulation.
Whatever tools are used, the goal is always the same - to restore
the flow of Qi and allow homeostasis to return.
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How safe is acupuncture
therapy?
Acupuncture is a
very safe medical procedure when administered by a qualified
practitioner. Very few side effects have been found in
clinical cases.
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How long does each
treatment last?
Each session may take
20 to 60 minutes.
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How many treatments are
needed?
It depends upon
the nature, severity and duration of diseases. A single
treatment may be enough for an acute condition. A series of
three to ten treatments can resolve many chronic problems.
Some degenerative conditions may need monthly treatments over time.
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Does acupuncture hurt?
A proper acupuncture therapy may
induce distention and a heaviness sensation along with contraction
of local muscle. Over 95% of patients are comfortable with
acupuncture therapy. Some animals will fall asleep during
acupuncture treatment. Sedation is not recommended before
acupuncture treatment, as it may interfere with the acupuncture
effect.
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Who is
qualified to perform veterinary acupuncture?
Only licensed veterinarians are
eligible to practice acupuncture in most states in the USA.
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When is Acupuncture
Indicated?
Clinical trials indicate that the
acupuncture therapy can be effective in the following conditions:
Musculoskeletal problems: muscle
soreness, back pain, disc problems, osteoarthritis, degenerative
joint disease
Neurological disorders: seizure,
laryngeal hemiplegia, facial and radial nerve paralysis
Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea,
gastric ulcers, colic, vomiting, constipation and impaction
Other chronic conditions: anhidrosis,
heaves, asthma, cough, uveitis, behavioral problems, Cushing's
disease, hypothyroidism, infertility, hyperthyroidism, renal
failure, geriatric weakness, skin problems
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What
physiological effects are induced by acupuncture?
Numerous studies show that
acupuncture stimulation induces these physiological effects:
Pain relief
Regulation of
gastrointestinal motility
Anti-inflammatory effect
Immuno-regulation
Hormone and reproductive
regulation
Anti-febrile effect;
microcirculation promotion
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Cautions and
contraindications
When acupuncture is performed, the
following conditions are cautioned or contraindicated:
Fracture
Pregnancy
Open wound
Infectious diseases
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What about
chiropractic and massage?
The veterinarian may also choose
to use Tui-na, which is an ancient Chinese method of
chiropractic/medical manipulation that enhances the other methods,
and can be taught to the animal owner to be done at home. This
helps more energy past blocked points and eases muscle tension,
thereby offering comfort and an energy lift to the patient.
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Does Dr. Galligan make
house calls?
Yes, even for non-clients with a
referral from their vet.
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How much
does a veterinary acupuncture treatment cost?
It depends on the location,
species and disease. A typical range of fees for a single
session of acupuncture will vary from $40-$200.
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