About acupuncture
What is aupuncture?
It is the stimulation of particular points in the body by inserting a fine sterile needle, helping the body to find again its balance (equilibrium) thus encouraging the natural healing processes.
In addition to pain relief acupuncture can stimulate a weak or down-regulate an over-active immune system, regulate organ function, improve circulation and has generally a relaxing effect locally and systemically. Acupuncture has been practised in China for thousands of years. The observant and skilled practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) were aware of the fact that stimulation of particular points in the body could affect organs systems which may be far away from the point of needle insertion. Their theory on how acupuncture works was based on their model of the world back then and is different from the Western scientific approach taken with Western Veterinary Acupuncture.
We distinguish also between manual acupuncture (MA) and electro-acupuncture (EA).
How does it work?
We recognize three effects:
1)local: improvement in circulation, local immune function and muscle relaxation around needle
2) effect on whole spinal segment that is innervated by nerves from spinal chord meaning that by for example inserting needles in readily accessible points in the back one can treat organs inside the body , or if the area to be treated is too painful one can use points that are further away but in the same spinal segment
3) central effect on the brain where chemicals are released, some of which are the well known endorphines usually released during exercise. They are potent painkillers and give people and animals a sense of well being.
Is it painful?
The needles are very fine and are coated with silicone which make them glide more easily through the tissues, but penetration through skin and muscles or tendon sheaths will still provoke a sensation. This sensation is not necessarily painful but is an unusual experience for the pet. Most animals are accepting of the treatment, with some becoming extremely relaxed, even falling asleep once the needles have been inserted.
In some cases the number of needles used has to be built up gradually, either if the patient is extremely sore or very needle phobic after experiencing pain and fear in connection with injections for vaccinations and drug treatments previously at their vet's. The experience is also flavoured by the temperament and emotional state of the patient and of course his owner who needs to reassure his pet. Lastly the technique of insertion can affect the sensation, the thickness of the needle, as well as the point selection.
These all look comfortable enough!
