Vet Chat - Acupuncture and its Benefits
Updated: Oct 17, 2018
Jelena Stojanovic - Canine Holistic Therapist
Veterinary acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which involves treatment with Chinese herbs, massage, dietary modification and other physical techniques. TCM can be used to diagnose, prevent and treat various diseases and disbalances. Along with herbal medicine, animal acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of veterinary medicine in the world.
Animal acupuncture is a holistic treatment, addressing all aspects of health - physical, psychological and emotional. It is an energy-based treatment that encourages the body to balance or heal itself.
During acupuncture treatment, fine needles are inserted at precise acupuncture points and retained there for a certain amount of time, depending on patient’s condition and indication. Acupuncture points have a high concentration of nerve endings, small blood and lymphatic vessels than the res. Stimulating these points releases numerous neurotransmitters and hormones which then regulate blood flow, normalise disturbed organ function and relieve pain. Acupuncture also relieves muscle spasms, stimulates nerve regeneration, improves body’s proprioception and supports the body’s immune system.
Case Study - Jackson
Jackson, a 9-year-old male Jack Russell cross, came to me six months after cruciate ligament surgery. He refused to put any weight on his hind left leg. Hugely compensating with his right back leg, his right leg muscles were sore and hard, while his left had serious muscle atrophy.
After assessment, I concluded that Jackson has retained a proprioceptive issue disabling him from using his leg, rather than feeling actual pain. His knee joint seemed to work properly, but his memory of pain after surgery prevented him from even trying to use his left leg again.
His ongoing treatment involves acupuncture, physical therapy and exercise to rebalance his brain and body connection, and trick him with conditioning to use his left leg again.
Amazingly, right after the first treatment, Jackson put his left leg down for the first time in six months. His right hind leg is still stronger than the left, but his left leg has been saved from total muscle atrophy and potential amputation by rebalancing his body and regaining normal proprioception again.
To learn more about Jelena Stojanovic see http://www.balanceddogs.com.au/