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Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aims to treat the patient as a whole and to restore balance to the body. This form of medicine has been used for thousands of years. Stimulation of acupuncture points change body chemistry. Acupuncture points are areas of high concentrations of small blood vessels and nerves. Acupuncture needles stimulate the nervous system and cause transmission of signals through nerves, the spinal cord and into the brain with resultant changes in neural output to the body (muscles, organs, etc.). Acupuncture helps restore normal blood flow and thus restores the normal distribution of oxygen, nutrients, hormones and neurotransmitters to affected areas of the body.

What can acupuncture treat? Acupuncture can be used alone and in conjunction with western medicine to treat a wide variety of medical problems. It is especially noted for its ability to help with arthritis, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disk disease, weakness, paralysis, seizures, kidney failure, inflammatory bowel disease and skin problems. Acupuncture can also be used in the treatment of behavior disorders, urinary disorders (incontinence, infection, stone formation), upper respiratory infection, etc. Acupuncture can also be used as an adjunct to cancer treatment by helping to boost energy, appetite and to treat symptoms.

How often will an animal need acupuncture? Initial treatment involves once weekly treatment for 4 weeks, then treatment every two weeks for two treatments. After this we keep increasing treatment interval to the longest interval tolerated by the animal. Most animals with chronic conditions come for maintenance acupuncture every 4-6 weeks. Some animals only come seasonally (such as for skin allergies) or as needed.

Is acupuncture all an animal will need? Most animals will have some other treatment as well. This may be conventional medications, nutritional supplements, Chinese or western herbal formulas and, of course, a good diet!

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