Acupuncture FAQ 

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly trained veterinary acupuncturist. Side effects are rare, and are usually seen in the form of lethargy and or sleepiness for 24 hours following a treatment.

 Does acupuncture hurt?

No, most  animals pay little attention to the needles being placed, and often get sleepy during treatment especially during electroacupuncture treatment.

 How long does an acupuncture treatment last?

Stimulation of an individual acupoint can take as little as 10 seconds or can last up to 60 minutes. It depends on the technique used and the   condition treated. A typical treatment lasts 15-20 minutes.

 How often will my pet need acupuncture?

The length and frequency of acupuncture depends on the condition and the technique of acupuncture used. Typically, most animals need acupuncture at least once weekly for 4-6 treatments as a minimum.

 How long does it take to see the benefical effects of acupuncture?

This varys from animal to animal. In some cases a response can be seen after only one treatment, however to achieve a maximal positive response will take approxiamtely 4-6 treatments. Acupucnture treatments build on each other and a series of treatments is neccessary.

 Does my pet need maintenance acupuncture?

For chronic cases yes. Acupuncture is typically done weekly until a maximum therapeutic response is achieved and then tapered off to the least number of treatments neccessary to maintain the animals condition.

 Can acupuncture treatments be performed during the same time period as physical therapy?

Yes, acupucnture is part of the rehabilitation process and is often performed 1-2 times weekly along with physical therapy (PT). Faster results are often seen when both acupuncture and PT are combined.

 Why are acupuncture and herbal medicine used together?

Because clinical results can be obtained more quickly by using Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture together. The combined effects are also stronger which is especially important in the treatment of difficult cases.