Dr. Mike Debunks Acupuncture Myths

Acupuncture is used to help the body heal itself by correcting energy imbalances. It can stimulate the body’s nervous system to release naturally occurring pain relieving and anti-inflammatory substances and improve blood flow.

Long used as a treatment for pets, it was first applied to animals in 500 AD. A Chinese horse veterinarian, Bole, wrote a collection of works on veterinary acupuncture for horses. In the years after that, Chinese veterinarians published many books on veterinary acupuncture. Around 600 AD, acupuncture books were published on horses, cattle, camels and mules, and in the early 1900s, the list of animals expanded to include pigs, sheep, dogs and cats.

Acupuncture Myths Debunked

Myth: Most pets find an acupuncture treatment to be stressful.
Fact: Most pets not only don’t object to acupuncture treatment, but they often fall asleep, even cats! If a pet is hypersensitive to needles, as can happen occasionally, we apply Fear Free techniques to make their experience positive.

Myth: Acupuncture is only good for geriatric animals.
Fact: Animals of all ages can benefit from the healing effects of acupuncture.

Myth: Acupuncture needles cause pain.
Fact: The sterile, disposable acupuncture needles used in the treatments are about the width of a human hair. Most dogs and cats don’t react to them, though some mind needles in their lower limbs and feet, just like many pets don’t like their feet touched or handled.

Myth: Your pet will be cured after one session.
Fact: The effects of acupuncture are cumulative, so we often ask clients to commit to coming for four weeks and then decide whether and how to continue. We offer packages that reduce the costs for multiple sessions.

Now that you know some of the benefits of acupuncture make your appointment online today to see Dr. Mike for a personalized session to meet your pet’s health and wellness needs.