Integrative Veterinary Care
Is Acupuncture scientifically proven to work?
Acupunture has been researched substantially and has shown to have benefits.
Why Acupuncture?
You might be wondering, “What’s so special about acupuncture for pets?” Great question!
Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive therapy that involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and pain relief. It’s particularly effective for managing chronic pain, inflammation, and helping your pet recover faster after surgery.
It’s a gentle, natural alternative to traditional pain medications, and many pets find it incredibly soothing.
How does it work?
Acupuncture is a treatment that has a long history and is still used today. It is believed to have originated in ancient China about 3000 years ago.
Acupuncture involves placing a needle in points of the body called acupoints, which then stimulates the body to generate a positive response also known as “De Qi”.
Acupoints are points on the Meridians where neurovascular bodies bundles and bifurcates and is also where nerves penetrate the body fascia. These points have been found to have a high density of free nerve endings, small arterioles, lymphatic vessels and mast cells.
What are Meridians?
Meridians, also known as Jing Luo, are pathways in the body where Qi and blood travels. Meridians run over the Exterior of the body and also regulates the physiological activities of the organs in the Interior.
What effects does Acupuncture have?
Depending on which acupoints are used in treatment, acupuncture can have the following effects:
- Inducing natural pain relief
- Mobilising stem cells with EAP
- Immune Regulation
- Stimulating the nerve system with EAP
What is EAP and how does it work?
Electric Acupuncture (EAP) works in a similar way as with humans using TENS. However, instead of a surface application where it may have an interference by the skin and fat, EAP is directed specifically to the acupoint. It sends a mild electric current through the needle and helps enhance the effect as these acupoints are also known to have higher electrical conductivity and lower resistance.
Are there side effects with acupuncture?
Apart for some soreness and tenderness, and some pets may even have a good long nap in the next 24-48 hours, there are no known major side effects of acupuncture.
Have more questions? Visit the FAQs page for common enquires.
If you are ready to embark on this healing journey with your pet, send us an email to make a booking.
Articles
- Ferro ACZB, Cannolas C, Reginato JC, Luna SPL. Postoperative Acupuncture is as Effective as Preoperative Acupuncture or Meloxicam in Dogs Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy: a Blind Randomized Study. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2022 Jun 30;15(3):181-188. doi: 10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.3.181. PMID: 35770548.
- Dragomir MF, Pestean CP, Melega I, Danciu CG, Purdoiu RC, Oana L. Current aspects regarding the clinical relevance of electroacupuncture in dogs with spinal cord injury: a literature review. Animals (Basel). 2021;11(1):219. doi: 10.3390/ani11010219.
- Peripheral blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells demonstrate immunomodulatory potential for therapeutic use in horses. PLoS One. 14(3):e0212642, 2019
- Perdrizet JA, Shiau DS, Xie H. The serological response in dogs inoculated with canine distemper virus vaccine at the acupuncture point governing vessel-14: A randomized controlled trial. Vaccine. 2019 Mar 22;37(13):1889-1896. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.10.076. Epub 2019 Feb 21. PMID: 30799157.
- Koh, R. 2018. Improving neurological outcome with acupuncture and rehabilitation. In World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress Proceedings.
- Silva NEOF, Luna SPL, Joaquim JGF, Coutinho HD, Possebon FS. Effect of acupuncture on pain and quality of life in canine neurological and musculoskeletal diseases. Can Vet J. 2017 Sep;58(9):941-951. PMID: 28878418; PMCID: PMC5556488.
- Electroacupuncture Promotes Central Nervous System-Dependent Release of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Stem Cells. 35:1303–1315, 2017.
- Luna SP, Martino ID, Lorena SE, Capua ML, Lima AF, Santos BP, Brondani JT, Vesce G. Acupuncture and pharmacopuncture are as effective as morphine or carprofen for postoperative analgesia in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Acta Cir Bras. 2015 Dec;30(12):831-7. doi: 10.1590/S0102-865020150120000007. PMID: 26735055.
- Joaquim JG, Luna SP, Brondani JT, Torelli SR, Rahal SC, de Paula Freitas F. Comparison of decompressive surgery, electroacupuncture, and decompressive surgery followed by electroacupuncture for the treatment of dogs with intervertebral disk disease with long standing severe neurologic deficits. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2010 Jun 1;236(11):1225-9
- Xie H, Colahan PT, Ott EA. Evaluation of electroacupuncture treatment of horses with signs of chronic thoracolumbar pain. Jour of the Amer Vet MedAssoc 2005; 227 (2): 281-286
- Xie H, Ott EA, Colahan P. The effectiveness of electro-acupuncture on experimental lameness in horses. Am Jour Trad Chinese Vet Med 2009; 4(2)17-29