Acupuncture, in its simplest definition, is the practice of using needles inserted into specific points on the body in order to produce a healing response. Chinese acupuncture has been used in both humans and animals around the world for thousands of years. It may not cure all conditions, but in combination with Western medicine, acupuncture can be used to help treat a variety of problems.
In veterinary medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat inflammation and pain, with arthritis pain being the most popular reason for our patients to receive treatments. Acupuncture uses very tiny needles and our patients usually don't even notice their insertion. Some pets even relax to the point that they take a nap during a treatment.
The number and frequency of treatments varies wildly, dependent upon the condition we are treating, the severity, and the duration the pet has had the condition.