ACUPUNCTURE ORIGINATED IN CHINA AND HAS BEEN PRACTICED FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS. FOR YOUR PET, IT MAY BE ONE OF THE SAFEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE THERAPIES AVAILABLE.
It can be used along with other treatment methods and acts in a complementary fashion. The procedure involves the stimulation of very specific points on the body. There are many ways to achieve stimulation, including the insertion of very thin needles at these points, heat (moxabustion), electrical stimulation (electroacupuncture), the injection of solutions (aquapuncture), or a combination of these various techniques. Acupuncture therapy helps to maintain the flow of energy (Qi), relieving areas of stagnation and unbalance. Acupuncture may help to restore the balance and allow the body to heal.
Acupuncture is not painful and your pet may only feel the needle as it goes through the skin for a second, if at all. This is referred to as the “deqi” response and is a signal that is strived for as it confirms that the acupuncture point was stimulated at the optimal position. Treatment time and lengths vary dependent upon the patient’s needs, and the response to treatment can also vary. Usually at least 3 treatments are required to be able to assess if acupuncture is the appropriate therapy for your pet's condition. Dr. Selmer will customize the treatment schedule based on your pet's needs.
Before performing acupuncture on your pet, Dr. Selmer will ask you make an appointment for a consultation when he will conduct a complete physical examination and discuss your pet's medical history. This will be accomplished to help determine if this complementary therapy is the right choice for you and your pet.