How does acupuncture work?  
            

             Acupuncture is known to positively stimulate all major physiologic systems. It works primarily through the 
             central nervous system affecting the musculoskeletal, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems. Response
             depends on the type of condition being treated and the points utilized, though it is best known to relieve 
             pain and discomfort. Acupuncture increases blood circulation, increases the release of many neurotransmitters
             and neurohormones, some of which are endorphins - the bodies "natural pain-killing" hormones. Acupuncture 
             relieves muscle spasms, stimulates nerves, and stimulates the body's immune system. Stimulation by acupuncture
             needles multiplies the natural morphine production 20 to 100 times normal levels and electroacupuncture adds
             another 3 fold increase in production of these natural pain killers. Acupuncture increases the production and 
             release of mood elevating hormones dopamine, serotonin and nor-epinephrine 30 - 50%. Disease is an imbalance
             of energy in the body. A better mental attitude decreases stress which enables healing. Acupuncture therapy 
             naturally balances the meridians energy flow which can treat the root cause of disease. No treatment from our
             modern Western medical therapies offers that promise. 

                What medical conditions respond to acupuncture?
             Pain Management involving Musculoskeletal disease 
                  (post surgery pain, arthritis, hip dysplasia, disc disease)
             Cardiovascular and heart disease
                  (cardiomyopathy, heart failure)
             Acute and Chronic respiratory disorders
                  (bronchitis, asthma)
             Gastrointestinal disorders
                  (diarrhea, constipation, megacolon)
             Reproductive disorders
                  (infertility)
             Immunological disorders
                  (autoimmune diseases such as immune medicated anemia, thrombocytopenia, pemphigus)
             Dermatological disorders
                  (dry itchy, moist dermatitis, lick granulomas)
             Behavioral disorders
                  (aggression, anxiety, phobias, compulsive behaviors)
             Neurological disorders
                  (seizures, some nerve paralysis, degenerative myelopathy, phantom pain)

                Acupuncture will cure my pet, right?
             Acupuncture does not "cure" the above disorders. Even with the use of modern Western Medical treatments, 
             the above disorders are chronic disorders that are seldom cured. Acupuncture makes the patient more
             comfortable, decreases the frequency and severity of the symptoms, resulting in a decrease of medications
             needed to control the symptoms. Decreasing amounts of medications, especially pain medications and steroids, 
             helps to decrease the potential harmful side effects, such as liver and kidney damage, to the body.

                Is it painful?
             Acupuncture is performed with sterilized stainless steel/copper needles that are so thin that they are 
             difficult to see with the naked eye. There is occasionally (not often) a brief moment of sensitivity as the 
             needle penetrates the skin. Once the needles are in place, most animals relax. Humans tend to be more
             reactive with the needle placement, as Dr. Craig will herself testify.

                What should I expect in the first appointment?
             The initial consultation involves an extensive review of your pet's past and current medical history and a 
             review of your pet's routine daily behavior and body functions. A physical exam will be done involving both
             Modern Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches. Needle placement may or may not be done 
             on the first appointment. Expect the appointment to last a minimum of 90 minutes. If the condition is
             complicated, the appointment may take two hours. 


                How often and for how long does one treat?
             The first initial consultation with physical exam will usually run 90 minutes to two hours. Subsequent 
             treatment sessions generally last around 60 minutes, depending on the condition being treated, the
             method employed and the cooperation of the pet. Actual needle placement is 20 to 30 minuts. Ways 
             of stimulating acupuncture points include the needles alone, electroacupuncture (adding electrical
             current to the points), aquapuncture (injecting a solution into the point), moxibustion (heating the point), 
             as well as laser acupuncture. Patients are often treated 3 to 4 times in the first month. After positive
             response to initial weekly treatments, patients usually are treated once every two weeks for two to 
             three sessions. The time between sessions are gradually lengthened based on the response to treatments.
             Maintenance treatments are then determined on a patient basis, anywhere from once a month to every 
             two to three months. In some cases, treatments are suspended until reappearance of symptoms. 

                Is it safe? 
             Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies utilized when practiced by a trained acupuncturist. 
             Side effects are rare, but possible. Occasionally an animal's condition may deteriorate temporarily
             before improving. Complications rarely, if ever develop because acupuncture balances the body's 
             own systems of healing. Acupuncture with herbal therapy provides additional positive effects
             to most traditional western medical therapies. 


                References: 
             Veterinary Acupuncture: Ancient Art to Modern Medicine, Allen M. Schoen, 2001
             Acupuncture: A Scientific Appraisal, Ernst and White, 2000
             Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Xie and Preast, 2002
             Veterinary Acupuncture, Behavior & Alternative Therapies, John G. Manning, DVM., MS