What is Acupuncture?

 

Acupuncture is a natural system of medicine that stimulates the body's ability to heal itself. Its origins go back over 3,000 years and are recorded in Chinese history.

 

 

 

How does it work?

According to the Chinese, when an animal is healthy, there is a circulation of energy called "chi" along well defined channels called meridians. The meridians are associated with internal organs. Acupuncture points lie along these meridians at the level of the skin and are areas where the flow of "chi" may be influenced. Disease manifests when there is an imbalance of, or interference with the flow of energy. The acupuncturist can manipulate the flow of energy by use of fine needles inserted into the points; thus adjusting the imbalances.

What can Acupuncture treat?

Any health problem may be treated with acupuncture. The most common conditions treated are musculoskeletal, hormonal, neurologic and dermatologic. Although there are acupuncture techniques for treating all health conditions, some problems are dealt with more quickly by Western medicine or respond better to a combination of approaches.

What is Holistic Medicine?

Holistic care refers to a way of thinking. The animal is viewed in its entirety, rather than focusing only on a set of problems or signs and symptoms. The goal of holistic care is disease prevention. A holistic veterinarian can treat a pet with either conventional medical therapies (such as pharmaceuticals and surgical modalities), complementary therapies (acupuncture, nutritional therapy, herbs), or both.

 

Some small animal problems that can be treated with acupuncture:

Musculoskeletal

Hip dysplasia, arthritis, OCD, intervertebral disc disease, rehabilitation for long term injuries.

Neurological

Traumatic nerve injury, cauda equina syndrome, paralysis (certain types, success varies with diagnosis)

Gastrointestinal

Megaesophagus, chronic diarrhea and constipation, fecal incontinence.

Urogenital

Chronic FUS with no surgical indications or recurrent after surgery.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular

Adjunct therapy for upper respiratory infections, immunopotentiation, feline asthma, adjunct therapy for CHF CVA, head tilt.

Immunological Problems

Immunopotentiating adjunct to infectious diseases or septic skeletal problems. Lyme disease, as an adjunct especially where symptoms become recurrent, varied or exacerbated, option for immune-mediated disorders, atopy.

Geriatric Conditions

Many mentioned already, to improve activity or organ function.

Equine Acupuncture
Don't forget Dr. Plavin also treats horses with acupuncture for a variety of health issues, including lameness and Cushing's Disease. Contact us for information about scheduling acupuncture house-calls for your horse.