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| Acupuncture |
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Acupuncture is the stimulation of various points on the body to unblock the flow of energy along meridians, or pathways, corresponding to the internal organs. Fine needles are placed in the skin, and mild electric current or heat is sometimes applied to the needles. Lasers, magnets, and ultrasound may also be used to stimulate acupuncture points.
Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood circulation and the release of natural pain-killing substances by the body. For that reason, it can be helpful in the management of chronic pain in dogs, such as that from arthritis. Acupuncture also has been used to treat seizures in epileptic dogs and many other illnesses. These uses are more controversial.
Some practitioners feel that acupuncture is best combined with Chinese herbs. This pairing is known as traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM. Other practitioners combine acupuncture with Western medicine.
The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS), founded in 1974, trains and certifies veterinary acupuncturists. The society's website includes a list of IVAS-certified acupuncturists. Another valuable resource is the website of Allen Schoen, DVM, a renowned expert on veterinary acupuncture.
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