Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats in Laguna Niguel, CA
At the Alicia Pacific Veterinary Center in Laguna Niguel, CA, we offer a wide range of alternative health treatments and holistic remedies in addition to our regular veterinary services as part of our commitment to natural solutions and non-invasive procedures whenever possible and appropriate. One of the most popular and effective of these is acupuncture for dogs and cats. Acupuncture is a centuries-old form of traditional Chinese medicine that modern research has proven to be very effective in the treatment of chronic pain and many other physical disorders, as well as the promotion of general good health. It has been used on both humans and animals for thousands of years. Veterinary acupuncture is now available for your pet through a trained and qualified veterinarian in Laguna Niguel.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture originated in China about 100 BC and then slowly spread to the rest of the world. It is based on the theory of an energy or life force, called chi or qi, that exists in all living creatures. This life force travels throughout the physical body through pathways, or meridians, and when it becomes interrupted or unbalanced, physical and mental illness can be the result. Acupuncture is the practice of stimulating key points along the meridians by inserting thin needles into the skin to manipulate and balance these life energies. It is used for both humans and animals. Massage of meridian points is sometimes used as an alternative to needles.
Conditions Commonly Treated With Acupuncture For Pets
Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of health conditions and chronic disorders in pets, including but not limited to the following:
- Pain Management – Many of the treatments available to manage pain in animals can have unpleasant side effects. Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other treatments as an alternative way to alleviate discomfort and suffering without undesirable side effects.
- Dermatology & Skin Disorders – Used to increase blood circulation to the skin which can help with the treatment of allergic dermatitis and granulomas, as well as reduce pain and itching and aid in healing.
- Gastrointestinal Problems – Acupuncture can be used to stimulate digestive secretions, which helps to maintain gut health and lessen the nausea and diarrhea associated with some disorders.
- Respiratory Issues – The symptoms of allergies and asthma and other breathing problems can be reduced by the immune system boosting and anti-inflammatory properties of acupuncture.
- Musculoskeletal Conditions – The pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility associated with arthritis, nerve and joint injuries, and hip dysplasia can be greatly alleviated through the use of therapeutic acupuncture in conjunction with other treatments.
Benefits Of Acupuncture For Dogs And Cats
Pets who are suffering from poor general health due to age or disorders, and those who are being treated for specific conditions can enjoy many positive and wellness-promoting benefits from acupuncture. It can increase blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tissues of the body to aid in healing. This also helps to remove metabolic wastes from the body. It relaxes the muscles, reduces inflammation and swelling, and alleviates pain. And acupuncture works without any bad side effects.
What Happens During An Acupuncture Session?
When your pet arrives at the Alicia Pacific Veterinary Center for their acupuncture session, they’ll be taken into a room and made comfortable. Most animals tolerate the sessions very well, becoming relaxed and even sleepy. But individual pets react in different ways, so they may need to be gently restrained by a technician for the first few treatments until they become accustomed to it. Then the veterinary acupuncturist will insert long thin needles into the surface of the skin, concentrating on areas such as specific muscles and tendons, clusters of nerve fibers, and fascia, stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain and altering the perceptions of pain. Some animals simply won’t sit still for the sessions, and in those cases deep massage of the key points, called acupressure, can be an effective alternative to needles. Sessions normally last for about 20 minutes to an hour. Typically, multiple sessions are required to successfully treat most conditions, depending on the vet’s diagnosis, but often significant improvement of symptoms can be realized in just three or four sessions.
Acupuncture for dogs and cats isn’t the right solution for all pets. It may not be appropriate for elderly pets or those with serious injuries or illnesses. But if you think your pet might benefit from veterinary acupuncture, schedule an appointment with the Alicia Pacific Veterinary Center in Laguna Niguel, CA, using our online form and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.
