ACUPUNCTURE
Dr. Michelle Robinson is certified to do feline acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of small, sterile needles into specific
points on the body in order to stimulate the central nervous system and cause a
desired healing effect. Acupuncture has
been used in humans and animals for over 4,000 years and is a good adjunctive
therapy to western treatment plans.
How does it work?
Nerves integrate every organ and acupuncture stimulates nerves. Acupuncture may decrease the dosage of a
patient’s medication that may have unwanted side effects (liver damage, nausea,
decreased appetite, iatrogenic Cushing’s, etc.)
and helps the body heal itself.
Acupuncture increases circulation, causes a release of many
neurochemicals (some of which are endorphins, the body’s “natural
pain-killers”), relieves muscle spasms, stimulates the body’s defense systems,
as well as numerous other beneficial effects.
What conditions respond well to acupuncture?
- Musculoskeletal
disorders- arthritis, DJD, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease,
post-op orthopedic surgery
- Gastrointestinal
disorders- megacolon, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), chronic/acute
diarrhea, chronic constipation, nausea/vomiting, decreased appetite
- Skin
disorders- lick granulomas, chronic allergies, decrease wound healing time
- Neurological
disorders- seizures, nerve injury/paralysis
- Respiratory
disorders- chronic asthma, chronic sinusitis
- Ocular
disorders- KCS/dry eye
- Any
condition that is decreasing the quality of life for your animal and not
responding to traditional western medicine should consider acupuncture.
How often will my animal need acupuncture?
Acupuncture is performed once to twice a week for 4-8 treatments until
desirable effects are seen or demonstrated.
Treatments are then tapered according to the patient’s response,
typically about every two to six months for maintenance.
Acupuncture may also be used as needed or once a month for maintenance,
relaxation and/or immune stimulating qualities.
|
