It is important to understand that acupuncture and is part of an entire health care system. The Chinese created this health care system over 3000 years ago. They used it for people and animals used for labor. This health care system was designed as a true health care system. It does treat disease and it does prevent illness. However, its primary function is to promote health.
Acupuncture is one of the five aspects of this health care system. The other aspects include: the use of Herbal Formulas, Tui-Na (the combination of physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic), Food Therapy, and Exercise/Qi Gong/Meditation. All of these aspects can be incorporated into keeping our pets healthy.
The meditation aspect is a natural part of being a dog or a cat!
They certainly benefit from routine exercise.
Qi Gong is something we can do to benefit them. The Chinese understand that anyone can harness their energy use it to help another.
Tui-Na uses an understanding of massage techniques, meridians and acupuncture points to restore balance to the body. The acupuncture points are stimulated through acupressure. This is simply the use of finger/hand pressure to stimulate a point instead of using a needle.
The Chinese were well aware of the idea that "you are what you eat". They realized that every food had characteristics that could be beneficial or potentially detrimental to someone if they were out of balance. Eating a variety of foods with varying characteristics could help maintain balance. Eating different foods in different seasons could also have an effect on one’s well being.
Herbs are more concentrated and potent than foods. Used in combinations they can have powerful effects on the body. Again the focus is on rebalancing a body that is out of balance.
To answer the question: What Conditions In Pets Can Benefit from Acupuncture?
The answer is simple: any condition where the body is out of balance. It is the function of acupuncture to assist the pet’s body in regaining its natural state of balance.
Note: The views and information presented in this Viewer Viewpoint article are those of the author, Liz Fernandez DVM, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (Chi-Institute).
