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Acupuncture: Acupuncture
is the insertion of fine, round-tipped needles into specific,
pre-determined points called "acupoints," to help regulate
bodily functions and ease pain. No
one is really sure how
it works, or why. Traditional acupuncture theorists believe it
channels
the flow of Qi (pronounced chee), a Chinese word
for "energy," through special paths called
meridians. Qi
has both Yin and Yang components, which must be maintained in
a fluid balance
for optimum health benefits.
Western-trained acupuncturists have another explanation. They
think that the needles stimulate the central and automatic
nervous systems, which release
endorphins that lessen the
perception of pain. Other acupoints may release cortisol, a
natural
steroid. Modern acupuncturists often add
electro-acupuncture to the traditional therapy. In this
procedure, a minicurrent of electricity is passed over the
affected area.
In 1989, the American Veterinary Medical
Association recognized acupuncture as "a valid
modality
and integral part of veterinary medicine." I suppose they
think this was very innovative
of them, but since
acupuncture has been practiced for about 5000 years now, I'd
say it was high
time. (Ancient Chinese drawings show that
animals were probably the first patients.) This
doesn't
mean that you should go around sticking needles in your Basset
-- not unless you are a
licensed veterinarian. Acupuncture
is a medical procedure, and should be
practiced on your
Basset only by someone with a
veterinarian's license and post-graduate training in this
specialty.
Although acupuncture can be used to treat a
variety of problems, it works best for chronic
problems
like arthritis, paralysis, gastrointestinal problems, and hip
dysplasia. It has also been
shown to be effective for
allergies, immune disorders, and stress-related conditions
like lick
granuloma. Even diseases like cancer have been
successfully treated with acupuncture.
Acupuncture has
been shown to increase the efficacy of antibiotics. No one is
sure why, but
researchers think it may have something to
do with enhancing the immune system.
Acupuncture is not
the treatment of choice for infections, however.
Dogs
receiving acupuncture do not generally require any anesthesia
or sedation.
Acupressure: Related to
acupuncture, acupressure therapy does not involve needles.
Acupressure also works by correcting imbalances in the
flow of Qi (energy) along the body's
natural pathways.
Your dog's ears are a favorite site for acupressurists because
they abound in
nerves, and appropriate application of
pressure releases endorphins from the hypothalamus
and
pituitary glands. Many acupressurists work only on the ears.
Although it is generally less
effective than traditional
acupuncture, acupressure has been used successfully to treat
dogs
with certain conditions, including thunderphobia. It
is also much easier for a layperson to learn
than is
acupuncture. You can help carry your dog to nirvana yourself
by gently massaging his
ears from the base up.
For
more information about acupressure, contact Amy Snow and Nancy
Zidonis at (888) 841-7211,
or email acupressure4all@earthlink.net.
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