Acupuncture dog: what is it?
The term “acupuncture” was derived from the Latin words for point (acus) and prick (pungere), in Chinese the method is called “Zhen Jiu”, which can be translated as “prick and burn”. Acupuncture is a regulatory medical method. It originally comes from traditional Chinese medicine, which is several thousand years old. Already in the 13th century European seafarers brought reports about it; in China there is evidence that it was used from about 500 BC. indicate. Both humans and animals have been – and are – treated with it.
The meridians are one of the basic concepts of acupuncture. These are pathways for life energy (Qui). The acupuncture points are located on the surface of the body along these paths. They are assigned to specific organs or systems and are also all connected to one another. If the flow of energy is disturbed, according to the theory, illnesses occur. The disorders are supposed to be corrected by means of special needles that are inserted into the acupuncture points. The energy can flow and the body can fix the problem itself.
Acupuncture dog: What methods are there?
Different directions of acupuncture set their own priorities: For example, only one needle can be placed for a problem, it can mainly be worked with back points or with ear acupuncture. The latter uses the fact that the entire body is represented in the form of acupuncture points in the auricle.
Acupuncture dog: How it works
Explaining the exact effects of acupuncture in dogs is difficult. At first glance, the concept of energy flows in the body sounds very foreign to many people. However, there is already evidence that acupuncture works well for some diseases. For others, there is a lack of reliable scientific knowledge. Due to its history, which has lasted for thousands of years, there are countless positive reports from practice, both in humans and animals. That is why acupuncture for dogs is still and increasingly justified in veterinary practice.
Acupuncture dog: how is it performed?
Would you like your dog to be treated with acupuncture? It is best to choose a highly qualified veterinarian: With the additional qualification “acupuncture” he or she receives extensive knowledge about this healing method and its effects as well as risks. At the same time, such a veterinarian has broad knowledge of possible diseases and their other treatment if acupuncture should be unsuitable.
After a thorough examination, the veterinarian will decide which of the dog’s acupuncture points to stimulate. The needles specially made for this are slightly flexible and therefore cannot break off or injure the animal when it moves. They are pricked at the right point about 1-3mm deep into the skin. This causes little to no pain and most dogs do very well with it. The needles then act for about 20 minutes. During this time, the dog should lie quietly, e.g. on a blanket. Many animals become more and more relaxed on their own because acupuncture usually has a relaxing effect. At the end of the time, the needles are collected again. Some fall off by themselves beforehand – then they have already had their effect.
The preliminary examination and acupuncture, as well as a short rest period afterwards, take time – so plan enough space in your calendar for an acupuncture appointment with the vet to avoid stress. However, you do not usually have to prepare your dog for acupuncture therapy – if you do, your veterinarian will draw your attention to this.
Depending on the severity and type of the disease, needles are used more frequently at the beginning and later at greater intervals. Treatments are usually 2-3 weeks apart.
Acupuncture dog: special features
In addition to needles, acupuncture points can also be stimulated with lasers or moxibustion (burning off dried mugwort). Their heat penetrates deep into the diseased tissue and initiates healing processes. Finally, gold implantation means permanent stimulation. To do this, gold balls or wires are implanted at the desired acupuncture point (this is a minor operation).
Acupressure points dog: If you massage the acupuncture points of the dog, this is called acupressure. The upside of acupressure is that anyone can do it, and dogs seem to do it regularly by gnawing or licking specific areas of skin.
Acupuncture dog: Against which diseases is it used?
Canine acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of disorders. Chronic joint and muscle problems in particular were classic areas of application for acupuncture in dogs. In the meantime, however, respiratory diseases, reproductive disorders or metabolic diseases are also treated with it. Especially in the treatment of pain, acupuncture has been very successful: it reduces the need for painkillers and thus the stress on the internal organs.
By the way: Like many complementary medical methods, acupuncture in dogs is often used alongside, for example, classic allergy or pain therapy. The combination of different healing approaches produces more and more often and demonstrably better results than the use of a single method.
Other methods of regulatory medicine are osteopathy (osteopathy dog) and homeopathy (homeopathy dog). Just like acupuncture, they should stimulate the self-healing powers, but work with different approaches.
Acupuncture dog: conclusion
Acupuncture for dogs can be a good method against various diseases or pain conditions and is increasingly being used in veterinary practice.
