Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture therapy has been in use for 500 years but we Americans have known about it only since the 1970’s. The term acupuncture derives its meaning from the Latin words acusa, meaning “needle” and pungare, meaning “to pierce”. Acupuncture is a method which makes use of special solid metal needles inserted into precise locations in the body (acupuncture points) in order to treat and prevent disease. At Boulevard Veterinary Hospital for Integrative Healing we have treated many dogs and cats with acupuncture. There is a short period of adjustment on the part of the patient, as they may be nervous during the first few sessions. After one or two treatments, during which the patient sits or lies down for 20 minutes with the needles in place and their owners close by in a quiet, darkened room, the patients actually rest and sleep. One little canine patient actually snores! Even owners have admitted feeling a bit refreshed in the middle of their day, watching their pet relax so peacefully during an acupuncture session. We have experienced remarkable results with conditions ranging from arthritis, hip dysplasia, seizures, musculo-skeletal injuries, including “slipped discs”, digestive and urinary tract problems and others. As long as the patient’s nervous system is functioning, acupuncture can effect a positive and sometimes remarkable change. |
