What do we do and why?

     We insert needles into points that work like light switches on a wall: trigger the switch, the light goes on, and as a result the whole room changes. Trigger an acupuncture point and the physiology of the body changes. There are 365 commonly used points, all with different benefits. Some increase activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, thus control nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some stimulate the immune system and benefit pets with infection or cancer. Some control pain; some calm the nerves and control seizures. Some points regulate the heart; others, the liver, kidneys, bladder, or endocrine system. By choosing the right points, in the right order, we provide the most therapeutic benefit.

Does it hurt?

     Not usually. We’re here to stop pain, not cause it. Besides, we want your pet to enjoy coming to the office. We provide silicon coated needles, work with the least painful points first, and allow you or an assistant to soothe your pet while we work. When the needles are in place, we turn the lights down and let you sleep. If your pet experiences significant pain or doesn’t leave the needles in place, we can inject points with homeopathic solutions or switch to photon therapy.

How many sessions does it take?

     Medical problems are like rust on a car: the longer it has been there, the longer it takes to fix. Chronic problems can also cause structural damage beneath the rust, so we may need to address what we see on the surface and what is deep underneath. Surface problems, for example, simple bite wounds, may be treated in 1-3 visits, especially if you provide supportive therapy at home. Chronic problems, such as arthritis or heart disease, may require 3 visits within 2 weeks, then weekly visits, then monthly visits. Treatment frequency is based, in part, on how you feel the pet is doing, and we work together to design the schedule.

Do we always insert needles?

     No. Needles are just one way to provide acupuncture. We can also inject homeopathic solutions or direct soft laser photons at acupuncture points. Whether we choose needles, photons, or injections depends upon two things:

             The elevator principle

               Your pet’s ability to relax

     Acupuncture points can be just like elevators, although we press the button, some elevators never seem to get to the floor-perhaps energy is being drained off at another level. In this case, injecting points with homeopathic solutions is like leaving our fingers on the button-we continually remind the elevator what level it needs to rise to. If we sense resistance in a point or have a chronic condition, we may use injections along with, or instead of, simple needling.

     If your pet hates needles or doesn’t like being touched, we can use laser therapy. Photons cause no sensation as they penetrate the skin and cats or animals in extreme pain accept this therapy without becoming distressed. If your pet is restless and shakes needles out, it’s not efficient to attempt to keep needles in place. Instead we may inject homeopathic solutions at the points and have you up and out of the office within a matter of minutes.

How do we know acupuncture is working?

     Just like penicillin, acupuncture works in most, but not all, cases. When your pet has an abscess and we use penicillin, the swelling decreases, the temperature decreases, and pain resolves. If we use acupuncture to treat the abscess, we know it works because we see the same improvements.

     If your pet is incontinent and wets the bed, we know acupuncture works because the bed will be delightfully dry.

     If your pet is paralyzed, acupuncture will help limb function return and you’ll see your pet moving comfortably.

     If we acupuncture your geriatric pet, we expect increased vigor, restful sleep, good appetite.

     Sometimes, despite our best efforts, acupuncture doesn’t resolve the problem. Although we would like to say it performs miracles, we know better. If miracles are really what you’re looking for, we’ll send you to church.