Email: petacupuncturewiltshire@hotmail.com
Phone : 07395 256451
Acupuncture is the practise of inserting fine, solid needles into the body (skin or muscle) for pain relief or, in some cases, to help the body deal with other diseases. Acupuncture was developed in Asia over 5000 years ago and has played a crucial role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
In the UK acupuncture has become increasingly used as a complimentary therapy alongside conventional medical treatment and other complimentary therapies such as physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.
In the UK Acupuncture can only legally be performed by a Veterinary Surgeon or a qualified Veterinary Nurse acting under the direct supervision of a Veterinary Surgeon trained in acupuncture.
It works through the nervous system. The needles block the pain messages and encourage the brain and central nervous system to produce more of the body’s natural painkillers thereby alleviating pain and improving recovery rates. Other chemicals such as seratonin and endorphins are released, which increase the feeling of well-being. In conditions that are not painful, acupuncture may help to reset the body’s normal functioning.
Pain is the most common indication for acupuncture. Usually this means pain associated with:
Functional conditions such as constipation and cystitis in cats and irritable bowel type problems in dogs may also respond. Chronic skin conditions such as lick granulomas and non-healing wounds can benefit from acupuncture, speeding up wound healing in these cases.
Acupuncture is very safe, in the right hands. In the UK Acupuncture can only legally be performed by a Veterinary Surgeon or a qualified Veterinary Nurse acting under the direct supervision of a Veterinary Surgeon trained in acupuncture. There have been no official reports of problems in animals, but there are some in humans and these can usually be avoided with care and a good knowledge of anatomy. There are very few cases in which we would have to be very cautious about using acupuncture, but your veterinary acupuncturist can advise you of these.
The usual course is once a week for four to six weeks. After four weeks we will know whether acupuncture is working for your pet and then, depending on the condition and how they have responded, we will work out a plan that usually involves tailing off the treatment so that the effect is maintained for as long as possible.