Dr. Nina Malik
What is Veterinary Acupuncture ?
Acupuncture is a healing art that originated in China over 4,000 years ago. It is the practice of using needles to stimulate specific points on the body to manipulate the energy force (Qi), which runs through the body. If the flow of Qi in the body is insufficient, unbalanced, or obstructed then disease results. Qi travels in channels in the body. The acupuncture points are specific locations where the channels come to the surface of the skin and are easily accessible. By needling specific points, balance can be restored to the body and allow it to heal itself. Acupuncture can be used to treat specific symptoms while also working on the root of the disease.
Musculoskeletal disease
Neurologic disease
Gastrointestinal disorders
Skin disorders
Behavioral problems
Cardiovascular and Respiratory disease
Kidney and Liver disease
Immune Stimulation
Pain
Acupuncture is performed with sterilized thin stainless steel needles. It is not painful and your pet may only feel the needle as it goes through the skin for a second, if at all. Many animals relax and may even fall asleep with their needles in place.
Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies available when practiced by a competent veterinary acupuncturist. Side effects are rare.
Acupuncture is a natural alternative therapy that enlists the body's healing mechanisms to maintain homeostasis and manage disease processes. Unlike with medications, side effects are rare. Acupuncture can be used to treat ongoing symptoms while also working at the root of disease.
The main disadvantage of acupuncture is a misunderstanding of what to expect from its use: the belief that the pet will miraculously improve, that all conditions can be treated with acupuncture, and that the animal will only need one treatment. Though I have seen pets have amazing responses to acupuncture, generally a course of treatment is needed.
The response to acupuncture is individual and the effects are often cumulative. Usually a course of acupuncture over a period of weeks is generally recommended. Dr. Malik will customize the treatment schedule based on your pet's needs.
Individual needles may stay in place for as little as a few seconds to as long as 20 minutes depending on the condition being treated. On average, needles are retained in place for about 15 minutes. There are many ways of stimulating an acupuncture point including with heat, electrical stimulation, and injection of solutions.
Typically animals are treated once a week for 4-5 weeks initially. However, the frequency may be increased in certain acute conditions or spread out to longer intervals in chronic cases.
Before performing acupuncture on your pet, Dr. Malik will ask for: