5005 Barley Drive, P.O. Box 366, Stephens City, Virginia 22655, United States
Acupuncture
Acupuncture for Pets!
Newtown Veterinary Clinic is proud to offer the veterinary acupuncture services of Erin Davis, DVM, CVA. Dr. Erin received her acupuncture training from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Reddick, Florida in 2012.
Acupuncture has been utilized to treat animals for at least the past 2000 years. The earliest known veterinary acupuncture text (Bo Le Zhen Jing, or Bole’s Canon of Veterinary Acupuncture) was likely written around 659-621 B.C.. Today, both veterinary and human medicine continue to incorporate acupuncture as a complementary treatment modality. Acupuncture is a very safe medical procedure when administered by a qualified practitioner, and should not be painful. Over 95% of patients are comfortable with this therapy, and some even fall asleep during the treatment!
The needle stimulates a specific point on the body and results in therapeutic homeostatic effects. These effects include the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. Many acupoints are motor neuron points, and frequently they are associated with a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and lymphatic vessels. The science behind these biochemical and electrical responses is increasingly being documented in scholarly journals and papers. Numerous studies (including over 17,000 papers, with over 300 of these being double-blinded) have shown that acupuncture can provide pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, immuno-regulation, hormonal and reproductive regulation, micro-circulation promotion, anti-febrile effects, and gastrointestinal regulation.
From a traditional perspective, acupoint stimulation improves the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee“), which is the life force, or vital energy, of the body. Qi flows throughout the body freely during health, and maintains the balance of Yin and Yang. When disease or pain develops, the free flow of Qi is obstructed, and consequently yin and yang develop an imbalance. Homeostasis can be restored, and the body allowed to heal itself, when acupuncture needles are applied to appropriate acupuncture points. Various techniques can be employed to accomplish this, including dry needling, electro-stimulation, aqua-acupuncture, and moxibustion. Treatment time and number of treatments can vary, depending on the needs of the patient. Typically 3-10 treatments resolve the majority of conditions, although some patients do require more regular therapy.
Acupuncture can address a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal issues, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunction, performance problems, and other chronic conditions such as asthma, behavioral issues, uveitis, infertility, skin conditions, renal failure, geriatric weakness, and metabolic disorders (such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and Cushing’s disease). Frequently, acupuncture treatments are combined with herbal therapy, as herbal supplementation enhances the effect of acupuncture. Eastern medicine should always be viewed as complementary to Western medicine, and the maximum benefit to our pets can be derived from combining both Eastern and Western treatment modalities.
Clients frequently want to know how their pet will react, how many treatments are needed, when will they notice the affects. Please call (540) 869-1616 to schedule an appointment today!
Now Offering Laser Therapy
A non-invasive treatment option to treat pain, inflammation, and speed healing!