Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE
A natural option for your pet

I Want to Know...

What is acupuncture and what is it for?

It is a therapeutic modality of the Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (MTCV), in which, the insertion of very fine needles is made in specific points of the body defined by meridians or channels that conduct the energy or Qi, this produces a therapeutic effect that favors The recovery of health and may include other methods such as moxibustion, electro acupuncture and aqua acupuncture.
What is the Qi?

(pronounced "chi") According to the MTCV the Qi is force of life or vital energy that flows through the body continuously, when this flow is interrupted by some pathogen or strange factor the disease can arise. The pain is interpreted as a blockage of the passage of Qi, acupuncture releases the passage of energy returning to the body the ability to heal.
Is acupuncture painful?

On rare occasions. Acupuncture is usually a very comfortable procedure because the needles are very thin making insertion painless and, although not all animals feel the same, most do not perceive pain or it is minimal. What's more, due to its relaxing effect some animals can fall asleep during the session.
How many sessions are necessary in a treatment?

Depending on the nature of the patient's health problem and how it responds to therapy, chronic complaints usually require maintenance sessions while other problems can be resolved with two or three sessions.
What precautions should be taken when using acupuncture?

There are precautions to be taken according to the condition, for example, if the patient is pregnant, some points should not be punctured, other conditions of care are having open wounds or tumors.
Is an acupuncture session a safe procedure?

Yes, it is very safe as long as it is done by a qualified veterinarian to practice acupuncture. It is recommended that you be a certified veterinary acupuncturist (CVA)
How long is an acupuncture session?

An acupuncture session lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
What physiological effects does acupuncture have?

Studies show that the effects that occur are: pain relief, anti-inflammatory effect, immunoregulation, antifebrile effect, hormonal and reproductive regulation among others.
In what cases is acupuncture recommended?

It is recommended for musculoskeletal problems such as low back pain, osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease.
Neurological conditions such as, paralysis of the facial nerve, intervertebral disc disease, radial nerve palsy.
Gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, gastric ulcers, vomiting, constipation, megacolon.
Chronic complaints such as skin problems, respiratory diseases, uveitis, behavioral problems, infertility, Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, kidney failure, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, weakness in geriatric patients and cancer.
In general, it is recommended to all those owners who want to benefit their pets in a natural way that helps to heal.
Is there any scientific evidence of how acupuncture works?

Yes. The acupuncture points are located in areas where many structures converge, in them there is a high density of nerve endings, mast cells, arterioles and lymphatic vessels, a large number of studies indicate that the stimulation of the acupuncture points induces the release of serotonin and other neurotransmitters. There are 25,764 study documents related to the use of acupuncture and can be consulted in the library of the National Institute of Health of the United States at www.pubmed.gov.
What is food therapy?

Feeding therapy is another branch of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in which foods and / or superior herbs are used to feed an individual based on their constitution, their age, their species, health condition and their geographical location. recipes developed in the theory of the MTCV according to the five elements and the eight principles. It is indicated to treat specific diseases and to prevent them.