Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of a sterile needle into discrete and specific points on the body in order to cause a therapeutic effect. It can be just a needle (dry needle technique), or may include other methods such as electrical stimulation and moxibustion. Aquapuncture is a form of  acupuncture, in which a needle is inserted to deliver a small amount of fluid directly into the point. Different methods are used depending on the specific problem (pattern diagnosis) and the temperament of the animal. 

Modern research shows that acupoints (acupuncture points) are located in areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and lymphatic vessels. A great number of studies indicate that the stimulation of  acupoints induces the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. The US National Institutes of Health's National  Library of Medicine (www.pubmed.gov) has a total of 36,321 research papers regarding acupuncture with 2,562 animal specific articles as of September 2021. 

Qi (pronounced "chee") is life force or vital energy. There are two contrasting forms of Qi: Yin and Yang. Yin energy tends to be cool, dark, still, and moving downward, while Yang energy is warm, light, mobile, expanding, and moving upward.

Qi flows throughout the body all the time, maintaining a balance of Yin and Yang. When the flow of Qi is interrupted by a pathological factor (ie. virus, bacteria, etc...), the balance of Yin and Yang will be disrupted and thus, a disease may occur.

Pain is interpreted as the blockage of Qi flow. Acupuncture stimulation resolves this blockage, freeing the flow of Qi and enabling the body to heal itself.

Homeostasis is restored when Yin and Yang Qi are in balance.

Yes! Acupuncture is a very safe medical procedure when administered by a qualified practitioner. Very few negative effects have been found in clinical cases.  

Sometimes it can initially be painful because there is stagnation (gathering of Blood and Qi)- like when we get muscle cramps. The needle will help resolve the stagnation (relax this area) by moving the Blood and Qi. Another way the stagnation is resolved is when the needle is removed. At that time,  you might see a little bit of blood (aka, the body is expelling the stagnation!). 

However, most of the time acupuncture rarely hurts. The points are stimulated using very fine needles. Typically the response that is seen (what is perceived as pain) is called a De Qi response. This means that the patient is feeling the sensation, which can feel a little weird! In humans, this can be felt as a tingling sensation, and can run up the body. In animals, they might turn and look at or growl at the needle, or you can see the muscles twitch around the needle.

The largest size needle that is used in dogs and cats is a 32g needle (the larger the number, the smaller the needle). In comparison, the size needle that is typically used for vaccines and blood draws (both in people and in animals) are a 22g needle (a much larger diameter than what is used in acupuncture). If a patient is more sensitive, smaller needles (ie. 36g) are used. 

Sometimes, due to the relaxation effect of acupuncture, some animals will fall asleep during treatments.

Each session may take 45-60 minutes, depending on what is done and how the animal responds.

The first session takes longer as an initial consultation is done. 

Some results can be seen immediately, but others will require several treatments. Generally, a minimum of 3-5 treatments, 1-2 weeks apart for chronic conditions are needed before one can expect notable improvement. As with all medicine, this depends on the severity and chronicity of the problem, as well as how often the treatments can be done.   

 Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulation induces the following physiological effects:

-Pain Relief

-Promotion of tissue healing

-Regulation of gastrointestinal motility

-Anti-inflammatory effects

-Immunoregulation

-Hormone and reproductive regulation

-Antifebrile effects

While trials haven't been done on every disease and the effects of acupuncture, acupuncture has been shown to help with multiple diseases and clinical signs. Clinical trials have shown acupuncture to help with following:

-Musculoskeletal Problems including muscle soreness and pain, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint disease

-Neurological Disorders such as seizures and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

-Gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea, gastric ulcers, vomiting, and constipation

-Chronic conditions including skin problems, asthma, behavior problems, endocrine disorders, and liver disease

-Cancer

-Quality of life and hospice care

If it's not listed above, don't worry! Research is always ongoing, and  acupuncture is worth trying, as it can always help with some of the  clinical signs to make your animal have a better quality of life.