Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an alternative therapy which has developed from a form of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves placing fine sterile needles into specific “acupoints” points of the body, stimulating the tissue, which is thought to stimulate natural healing mechanisms. The needle placement is also thought to cause the release of neurochemicals, including endorphins, making the patient more relaxed.

Acupuncture relies on the practitioner identifying the best points for needle insertion, and can only be administered by a vet, or a registered veterinary nurse under vet supervision.

The main use of acupuncture is to treat pain related to conditions of the musculoskeletal system, most commonly relating to arthritis, or acute muscle strains. It can also be used to treat systemic issues such as, but not limited to, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and allergies, including head shaking.

Acupuncture can also be used help manage behavioural issues which may be influenced by a pain component. The therapy has also been shown to have positive results on wound healing. Most commonly, three or four sessions are required to see the full benefit of the therapy.

It is important to note that acupuncture is a complimentary therapy, so is designed to be used alongside traditional veterinary treatment. We would always recommend a thorough examination to establish underlying causes of pain or behavioural issues before exploring acupuncture.