Heal Your Pet Naturally with Acupuncture
by Ingela Johansson
(NaturalNews) Acupuncture, the natural healing technique of needle insertion on certain points of the body, is used all over the globe. But in most cases humans are the receivers, not animals. In China, where the technique has its origins, it has been used by veterinarians for over 3000 years. It has spread to the western world over the years; in the early 1970s the first veterinarians started to apply the therapy in the U.S. It is now accepted by most veterinarians as an effective way to relieve pain in both large and small animals.
It has proven to be one of the safest treatments for pain relief and is also used for a wide variety of ailments such as allergies, hip dysplasia, paralysis, arthritis, fertility issues and respiratory problems. The most common pets to receive acupuncture are dogs, cats and horses, but also rabbits, ferrets, gerbils and even birds can be treated with it.
Other benefits from acupuncture that have been reported are increased blood cell production, improved immune system, increased range of motion and overall relaxation. It has been proven to increase the life quality of many older pets, which otherwise would have been euthanized or medicated for the rest of their lives.
Normally, hair thin needles are used for the therapy, but there are variations, including the use of low level electrical currents and low power lasers, which have the same beneficial effect.
Many pet owners have tried everything else when they turn to alternative treatments; others simply want to treat their pets without the use of drugs and surgery.
“The more that veterinarians learn and accept acupuncture and some of the other complimentary [alternative] medical techniques, the safety of medical intervention for animals will be that much better.” Said Narda Robinson, staff member in Colorado State University’s veterinary program, to National Geographic News.
The treatment sessions can take 10 seconds to 30 minutes depending on what the pet is treated for. Sometimes it can take 4 to 6 treatments to notice results; however, some experience instant improvements such as increased energy and mobility. There may be a little pain when the needles are first introduced; however, most animals find it very relaxing after the needles have been put in place and many even fall asleep.
“Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies available when practiced by a competent acupuncturist,” said veterinarian Dr. Babette Gladstein to the Long Island Press. “Side effects are unusual. It balances the body’s healing system, no chemicals are administered, and complications rarely develop.”
Sources:
http://animalacupuncture.net/Acupuncture/index.cfm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081026100516.htm
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/health_science/weekly/20090615_Pet_own…
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/03/03/animals…
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/11/1125_021125_vetacupun…
