Acupuncture…For Pets?

Acupuncture for pets is becoming an increasingly popular therapy option for many animals worldwide. As a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the practice of acupuncture has many many functions, from pain control to relieving dermatitis.

There are many moving parts in the ancient science of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The cornerstone of this field, in my opinion, lies in food energetics and balancing the body through the design of food therapy.

But even The Original CrockPET Diet cannot go it alone in this wide field of traditional and holistic practice. Traditional Chinese Medicine and, respectively, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, is comprised of many different therapeutic techniques that complement and enhance one another. These different techniques include herbal therapy, massage and (among many more) acupuncture.

The art of acupuncture, even acupuncture for pets, is not a new practice. Far from it. Animal acupuncture dates back thousands of years, and can be used to treat – even cure- many ailments, injustices and diseases. Acupuncture can be used alone or in combination with other therapies.

How does acupuncture help pets?

Many people associate acupuncture with relaxation techniques and therapies. And while acupuncture often results in a very relaxed patient, it has so many more functional uses.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the nerves just under the surface of the skin. Stimulating specific points results in changes within the central nervous system and, thus, the body.

Activating certain physical changes with acupuncture can help the body to heal itself. The painless insertion of those tiny needles can improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation and stimulate nerves.

Acupuncture for pets, and people, can also trigger the release of hormones. This includes endorphins that help control pain and cortisol to squash inflammation. The simultaneous improvement of blood flow helps bring healthy cells to damaged tissue to help rebuild and heal it.

Is acupuncture right for my pet?

Because it can be used to treat a variety of ailments, and even as a preventative treatment, acupuncture is a great fit for many pets. For small animals like cats and dogs, ailments caused by inflammation, pain or nerve damage are common contenders.
These conditions are some of the most commonly – and effectively- treated:

• Gastrointestinal problems that include chronic vomiting, constipation or diarrhea
• Skin problems, such as allergies and dermatitis
• Neurological damage or degeneration
• Musculoskeletal pain, injury or disease
• Respiratory problems
• Pain and other symptoms associated with cancer and chemotherapy

Of course, only a licensed veterinarian and veterinary acupuncturist can determine what treatments are best for your animal, so make sure to check with Fido’s doc before you jump into any new treatments.

Why acupuncture?

If your pet has suffered an injury, illness or is simply beginning to age, chances are high that they’ll need some sort of medical attention or treatment at some point.

But how many of those treatments mean handfuls of pills for your furball?

Acupuncture can help reduce drug dosages for your pet. As a powerful method of pain control, regular acupuncture treatments can help a pet suffering aches and pains.

Many animals who suffer liver or kidney damage often cannot turn to traditional means of pain control. Even those who can, sometimes suffer side effects or simply cannot tolerate pain medication. For pet parents who are desperate to reduce the amount of pain medication their pet needs, but still want to provide relief, acupuncture can be the answer.

Chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis often require several, regular treatments. A more acute issue, such as a strained muscle or ligament, may begin healing and recovery after only one treatment. Each animal, and each condition, is unique.

While acupuncture cannot promise the cure of a disease, it is an amazing tool to help your pet in the fight. This is because it treats the symptoms of disease, but also helps push back on the cause (such as damage causing inflammation).

How do I get my pet started?

If your pet’s regular veterinarian is also a certified animal acupuncturist, you’re all set! He/she will perform all necessary exams to determine what treatments are best for your furball, and may even get started right away.

If you’re not already in with a small animal acupuncturist, never fear. Many traditional veterinarians are now recognizing acupuncture as a successful complementary therapy to their treatments. There’s a good chance your vet will give the green light for acupuncture, especially if they’ve hit a roadblock in treatment.

Because acupuncture for pets is becoming more widely accepted in the veterinary community, an acupuncturist may not be far. Resources like this one from the Chi Institute can help you find a veterinary acupuncturist near you.

It’s all about balance

As it is built on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture aims to restore balance within the body. Proper balance encourages healthy functioning of organs and systems throughout the body. But don’t forget, that balance means taking care of your pet in every way. Making sure your pet is getting enough exercise, and a healthy balanced diet are crucial.

Integrating the benefits of holistic therapies can maximize your pet’s health. And while there is a vast array of therapies to explore, remember that the secret to health begins with diet!

Using the science of functional medicine, the ingredients of The Original CrockPET Diet promote your pet’s optimal health from the inside out. By choosing healthful, balanced nutrition for your pet, you are laying the foundation for them to feel their very best.