What to Expect from Veterinary Acupuncture

Most of my patients and their people like the idea that I come to visit them in their home. They tell me they feel far more comfortable at home. I also prefer home visits, for a couple of reasons:

First, my patients are more relaxed.
Second, I am able to totally focus on my patient and their people for the entire time I am present.
Third, it allows me to maintain a more balanced, steady pace, which also enables me to help my patients more effectively.

On my first visit, I begin by asking a series of detailed questions. These questions will be repeated periodically because the answers may change over time. If your friend has a specific medical challenge, I would greatly appreciate having access to all medical records that are available, including lab results, x-rays, patient records, any known allergies, vaccine history, current and past medications, flea control products, and heartworm/parasite control medications.

Next, I examine my patient. This examination is repeated as needed on future visits. Based on the results of the patient's history and exam, I design a treatment plan. For patients with specific health challenges, this is based on the Chinese diagnosis I make from the history and exam.

Each treatment lasts between 10-45 minutes. I usually use anywhere from 3 –15 needles per treatment. If I use moxa, hemoacupuncture, aquapuncture, electroacupuncture or laserpuncture. I will explain those in greater detail at that time.

The response of my patients to the needles varies from complete acceptance to complete rejection. Over 90% will tolerate the needles to the extent that they are effective. There are other acupuncture techniques that I use when my patients are less than cooperative, such as aquapuncture, moxa and laser. In addition to the acupuncture, I may suggest using an herbal supplement. It is important to understand that Chinese herbal supplements are typically combinations of herbs, and as such are very well tolerated. They also rarely interact negatively with western medication.

Most acute problems need at least 4 treatments, approximately one week apart, to see resolution. Some chronic conditions may require at least 4 treatments before any response is seen at all. Remember, however, I will be treating the WHOLE patient, NOT just one symptom. In Chinese medicine, it is believed that an underlying weakness may be the reason behind an acute problem. If I detect such a weakness from the history or physical exam, I will explain and treat this as well.

It has been my experience with most of my patients that once the needles are placed they prefer to be petted and remain quiet. Most like a focus of human energy on them. A few prefer a little less focus on them. In those instances a light energy background conversation is fine. The patients are very clear as to their preferences but I usually try the focus on them first.

From my own experience with acupuncture, I found it a wonderful time to meditate. I suspect this facilitates healing, and the innate intelligence within the patient knows this and this is why they prefer the silence. It has been said that you cannot help another and not also help yourself at the same time. I believe this and know that I am blessed by each of my patients in ways that continue to astound and humble me.

Finally, I may make recommendations regarding diet and acupressure or massage type exercises you can continue between treatments.