Animal acupuncture is based on the theory that energy, called qi or chi (pronounced “chee”), flows through and around everyone’s body along pathways called meridians. These meridians are composed of acupuncture points that form a specific pathway.
When illness leads to an unbalanced, obstructed and irregular flow of qi, placing needles in specific acupuncture points unblock or influence qi and help it flow back into balance. Sometimes heat, pressure, or mild electrical current are used along with these needles.
At Sunvet Animal Wellness Clinic, we use acupuncture for dogs and cats as part of our integrative treatment appointments. It can be combined with other holistic healing modalities to help with a multitude of symptoms including the following:
- Neurological disorders
- Mobility issues
- Muscle and joint pain
- Tension
- Anxiety
- …and more
How Does Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats Work?
When needling a dog or cat, Dr. Laurel uses the same anatomical ‘landmarks’ as a practitioner who works with people, since the meridian system in your dog’s or cat’s body is similar to the meridian system in your own. Add that to the list of things you and your love-muffin have in common!
Most of our patients easily tolerate the quick insertion of the needles and begin to relax and settle in as the acupuncture affects their central nervous system. The treatment creates a release of morphine-like substances called endorphins, leading to a relaxation response.
Acupuncture treatments can be oh so soothing!
Sunvet’s Integrative Approach to Acupuncture
Acupuncture is offered at Sunvet Animal Wellness Clinic exclusively as part of our Integrative Treatment appointments. In these appointments, Dr. Laurel uses applied kinesiology to combine modalities in unique ways to suit each patient’s individual needs.
In the event that you or Dr. Laurel determine that your furry friend would benefit from a traditional, stand-alone acupuncture treatment, we will refer you to one of Dr. Laurel’s veterinary acupuncturist colleagues, experts who specialize in the art of acupuncture.
“When I took the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society course in 1996 and ’97, I studied the most common form of acupuncture available in the United States, Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM. This is a physically based system and is very effective as a symptomatic treatment; however, I discovered that it doesn’t have much to do with who each creature is as a mental, emotional and spiritual individual.
– Dr. Laurel
Over time, my approach to acupuncture has changed. After learning this modality, I have molded and fine-tuned it so as to best serve my patients.
I found that the longer I practiced applied kinesiology as a way to individualize treatments for my patients, the more I began to integrate one modality with others in order to create the necessary healing. I feel confident that this customized approach to integrative treatments is the best expression of Sunvet Animal Wellness Clinic’s mission: to strengthen the relationship between animals and their people, which is the basis for true and lasting healing.
Call or text us to schedule an integrative treatment appointment today!