Acupuncture for Animals is Becoming More Popular

acupuncture animalThe ancient Chinese culture has perhaps provided more valuable medical inspiration to our country than any other civilization. From essential oils to acupuncture, the American medical community is still in the process of realizing just how powerful holistic medicine can be for the body.

Acupuncture has become increasingly popular among humans, but now the ancient art is even being used on animals!

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been practiced since the days of the days of the ancient Chinese using tiny needles inserted into specific parts of the body to produce a healing response. Western scientists are still in pursuit of a scientific understanding of the phenomenon of acupuncture and the physiologic mechanisms that generate healing, but the overall tenets of acupuncture have been proven.

Acupuncture identifies precise points on the body and stimulates them for a certain amount of time. This stimulation makes changes to the central nervous system, thus relieving pain and resolving other existing problems. For example, the stimulation of acupuncture is known to increase blood stimulation, sensitize nerves, and release endorphins.

How Can Acupuncture Be Used on Animals?

Known as veterinary acupuncture, the process is used the same way it is on humans. The conditions that respond most effectively to acupuncture include musculoskeletal, respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal problems. This means that anything from arthritis, nerve injury, asthma, and dermatitis can potentially be resolved using acupuncture, sometimes in tandem with other mainstream treatments.

Since acupuncture essentially helps the body heal itself by creating specific physiological changes, this can be a powerful tool for vets and pet lovers alike. It is one of the very safest forms of medical treatment for animals, and side effects are very rare. It goes without saying that only a licensed veterinarian is qualified to complete animal acupuncture

Horses, dogs, cats, and even cows are frequently treated with this method around the country. A horse with back pain or a dog with arthritis can make dramatic progress recovering after receiving acupuncture, which explains why this trend continues to grow.