A New Niche for an Old Medicine|
It is now estimated that one in ten Americans have tried acupuncture and more and more people are turning to this method everyday, so why should your family pet be be excluded from this 3000 year old medicine. In Maryland there are roughly 150 Certified Animal Acupuncturists. These acupuncturists treat just about any condition a human would seek treatment for including anxiety, neurological problems, digestive disorders, allergies, arthritis and pain. Animal acupuncturist can help with some animal specific conditions as well, such as mange in dogs and laminitis in horses. Whatever condition your pet may be suffering acupuncture may very well offer a safe and drug free treatment option.
The traditional explanation of how acupuncture works is that the body has pathways, or meridians which carry energy called Qi. When there is illness the flow of the Qi is inhibited and acupuncturists place needles in the body to correct this flow and help he body heal itself. Modern science has been showing that acupuncture helps reduce inflammation, increase circulation, boost immunity, regulate hormone levels and decrease pain. There is still plenty of debate as to the source of all of these changes.
One of the most common questions animal acupuncturist hear is, ” How do you get the animals to stay still?” In most cases the needles are so small, approximately the width of three strands of hair, that the animal barely notices them. There is also change in brain function in which the mind enters a state of deep sleep or meditation, during this time your pet may take a nap. Depending on the age of your pet, severity of their condition and overall health, most owners will see improvement within 3-5 treatments.
Tom Ingegno M.S.O.M., L.Ac is a licensed Acupuncturist/Certified Animal Acupuncturist. For more information on how acupuncture can help your pet go to www.myacupet.com.
