Many people rely on alternative medicine and treatments, such as acupuncture, to treat pain and other conditions in a more holistic way than traditional (western) medicine. However, acupuncture isn’t only for people. Acupuncture can help your pets with many of the same conditions. Here is a look at acupuncture for your pets. 

What is Veterinary Acupuncture?

Veterinary acupuncture is a method of stimulating the nervous system to treat diseases and their symptoms. It is the same as it is used for humans, but the mapping of the nerves is changed for each animal. That way, the vet can address the specific needs of different species in order to deliver the same form of treatment. 

What Conditions Benefit from Veterinary Acupuncture

Veterinary acupuncture can address a variety of symptoms. Anxiety and pain are two of the most common options. Reducing anxiety can lead to other health benefits for pets, like reduced stress and better cardiovascular health. Addressing pain through acupuncture can reduce the need for long-term medications that may have their own long-term problems. 

In some cases, acupuncture is used to improve functionality in animals and humans. For example, there is a long-held belief that a specific acupuncture treatment can increase fertility. There is also a treatment method for allergies that improves the health of the immune system. 

How Does Veterinary Acupuncture Work

Veterinary acupuncture is performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist. Needs are placed in the skin to stimulate nerve endings. The acupuncturist must know the specific locations where needles can be placed for the desired effect. This causes changes in the patient’s physiology that can promote healing or reduce symptoms. 

Benefits of Veterinary Acupuncture

The main benefit to veterinary acupuncture is that it can provide a safe method of treatment. It reduces the need for invasive surgeries or potentially hazardous medications. Instead, it provides a clean, safe, and repeatable treatment method that requires very little in terms of equipment or resources. It is also one of the more cost-effective treatment options. 

What To Expect At Your First Appointment

When you schedule your first veterinary acupuncture appointment, your pet will receive a full examination. This is to ensure that the right methods of treatment are used and to qualify your pet for treatment.  Once the initial exam is finished, the veterinarian will begin the treatment process. Your pet lays down on the table and the vet begins inserting the needles as needed. After the treatment has had time to work, the needles are removed. Your pet is reassessed to see if there is improvement. 

Ready to Get Started?

If you or someone that you know needs affordable acupuncture, reach out to Thumos Health Center. Through acupuncture, we can help you start your path to recovery.

If you have a pet that needs treatment, consider Veterinary Acupuncture. You need a licensed veterinary with the right training and experience. At Thumos Health Center, we offer Veterinary Acupuncture and a variety of other treatment methods. Give us a call at (310 428-1215) to schedule your next appointment. We would love to help your pet feel better.