Acupuncture for Pets

Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body for the purpose of eliciting healing responses in the body during the treatment of many diseases and conditions. This stimulation can be done with acupuncture needles, massage or other techniques such as laser acupuncture, moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, and aqua-acupuncture. By stimulating these acupuncture points there can be an alteration in some biochemical and physiologic conditions. By these alterations, we can achieve the desired effect of bringing the body back into balance and allowing the body to help heal itself. Acupuncture is an ancient procedure used in traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM).

Studies show that acupuncture can be effective in conditions such as arthritis, respiratory illnesses such as asthma, gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting/diarrhea/poor appetite and other chronic conditions such as kidney disease, geriatric issues, or behavioral problems. It is a means of the body helping heal itself. In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, disease is an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture therapy is based on balancing the energy, correcting the flow of energy, and thereby healing your pet.

Many people want to know: does acupuncture hurt? Most pets do not react to the very thin, flexible sterile acupuncture needle. Acupuncture stimulates endorphin release among other pain-relieving substances and many pets become very relaxed. With the availability of laser acupuncture in Dr. Lanz’s practice, which is completely painless, even the most sensitive or wiggly patient can receive an acupuncture treatment.