Most people have heard of acupuncture - a holistic healing technique that has been used around the world for centuries but is most often associated with China, which is where it is believed to originate.

The process involves placing a series of ultra-fine needles into the body at pre-determined depths and locations with the purpose of interrupting the flow of energy and directing it to where it is needed most. As a result, changes within the body can lessen pain and improve healing, benefiting the overall health of the patient. However, what many people don't realize is that acupuncture isn't just for humans. An increasing number of domestic animals are undergoing acupuncture each year with outstanding results.

What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture for My Pet?

Veterinary acupuncture has been shown to be a highly successful complementary treatment choice as it can offer pets a variety of different benefits. These include the following:

Drug-free pain relief. Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the body's own pain-relieving endorphins and anti-inflammatory substances that can help reduce chronic discomfort. Animals undergoing treatment programs such as chemotherapy, which can be painful, are often recommended to have pet acupuncture to help manage their discomfort. It has also been shown to be beneficial in helping with chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Promote healing. It is believed that the insertion of needles at pre-determined points can help stimulate blood flow - something which is vital for healing and can actually expedite the process, enabling your pet to get back to normal much more quickly. It also rouses your pet's natural waste elimination process, helping to remove all toxins and waste from her body.

Natural muscle relaxant. Acupuncture has been proven to relax the muscles in and around the site of needle insertion, something which can help with stiffness, pain, and other associated mobility problems.

Improved digestive function. Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and nausea can be improved by the increased blood flow caused by acupuncture.

Improvement in respiratory problems. Pets can suffer from respiratory conditions too, and acupuncture, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-system calming properties can help ease problems such as asthma.

Is Acupuncture Safe for My Pet?

One of the best things about acupuncture is that virtually any pet or person can benefit from it provided it is carried out by a trained and experienced professional. There are little to no side effects and it can be safely used alongside both prescribed medications and supplements. Acupuncture has been used with success on a wide range of different creature types including cats, dogs, rabbits, and horses. Your veterinarian in Atlanta, GA will be able to tell you whether acupuncture is a viable treatment for your individual animal.

Will Acupuncture Hurt My Pet?

The needles used in acupuncture are extremely fine, most pets don't require any sort of pain relief or sedation to undergo an acupuncture session. In fact, some find it so relaxing that they even nod off during the treatment! However, sometimes sedation is needed for the safety of both your pet and your veterinarian. If your professional thinks that your pet will need sedation for acupuncture, this will be discussed with you ahead of your appointment.

How Many Sessions of Acupuncture Will My Pet Need?

Every pet is unique and can have very different reasons for seeking acupuncture treatment. This means that the number of sessions your pet will need can also vary significantly. Your vet will be able to give you an approximation as to the number of sessions that may benefit your pet but bear in mind that this may change as the treatment goes on.

For more information on the benefits of pet acupuncture, or to schedule an appointment to see if pet acupuncture would be helpful for your furbaby, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our vets in Atlanta, GA at (404) 584-8761.